Reconfigurable quantum computer juggles 98 qubits

Researchers unveiled a reconfigurable quantum computer capable of manipulating 98 qubits on June 17, 2026. This quantum computer, built using trapped ions, demonstrates the ability to connect any two quantum bits within the system, a significant advancement in quantum computing architecture. The system's reconfigurability allows for flexible entanglement operations, which are crucial for executing complex quantum algorithms. Conventional computers are unable to achieve this level of connectivity and manipulation, highlighting the potential of this new quantum architecture. The development was detailed in a publication in Nature, with the digital object identifier (DOI) being 10.1038/d41586-026-01702-6. This breakthrough could accelerate the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers and unlock new possibilities in fields such as drug discovery, materials science, and cryptography.