Gartner Forecasts Worldwide AI Spending to Grow 49.5% in 2026
Worldwide spending on AI is forecast to total $2.7 trillion in 2026, a 49.5% increase
year-over-year, according to Gartner, Inc., a business and technology insights
company.
“Demand for AI infrastructure (including
AI-optimized IaaS, AI-optimized servers, AI network fabric, AI processing
semiconductors and devices) to support anticipated future workloads remains
strong and inelastic to pressures from memory-related pricing increases,” said John-David
Lovelock, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner. “The buildout of AI
data center capacity is the largest infrastructure project humanity has even
undertaken. The capacity growth from hyperscalers and service providers
purchasing AI-optimized servers will continue to be the largest single area of
spending.”
In the software market, vendors across
different software types are rapidly embedding agentic AI within their existing
products to maintain relevance in the market and defend against new
cross-functional agents. With GenAI firmly in the Trough of Disillusionment in 2026, enterprises are
using these simpler embedded AI features from their incumbent software
providers to grow operational efficiency and automate workflows, improve
customer engagement and enhance decision-making.
“Meanwhile enterprises are turning to service providers less often to help them
manage the business transformation, and more often for the smaller indirect
projects to exploit AI features of their incumbent software system," said
Lovelock. “The risks associated with vendor lock-in, data sovereignty,
and run-away costs are not deterring buyers from adopting these proprietary
capabilities. The combination of transformation and indirect
projects are forecast
to drive a $1.2 trillion opportunity in AI services by 2030."
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