Global AI spending seen rising 49.5% to $2.7 trillion in 2026, Gartner says

Global spending on artificial intelligence is projected to reach $2.7 trillion in 2026, as demand for AI infrastructure, customised applications and cost-efficient models accelerates. Gartner has also raised its growth outlook for application development platforms and generative AI models, while identifying a potential $1.2 trillion AI services opportunity by 2030.

Editor: AI News 24x7 Published: 16 Sep 2026, 08:39 PM Updated: 16 Sep 2026, 08:39 PM

Global AI spending seen rising 49.5% to $2.7 trillion in 2026, Gartner says.

Global spending on artificial intelligence is expected to climb to $2.7 trillion in 2026, a 49.5% increase from the previous year, according to a Gartner report issued Wednesday. The forecast points to continued investment in computing infrastructure, software development and services as businesses expand their use of AI.

Demand for the infrastructure needed to support future AI workloads remains strong, despite rising memory-related costs. Spending on AI infrastructure has not seen a significant decline, with hyperscalers and service providers continuing to purchase servers designed for AI workloads.

Application development outlook strengthens

Gartner has raised its 2026 growth forecast for AI application development platforms from 28% to 39%. The revised outlook reflects stronger efforts by companies, software providers and service firms to build customised AI applications for their operational needs.

Businesses are also seeking greater control over AI programmes. They want service providers to help manage costs and track use across workflows, allowing them to assess whether individual AI projects are delivering results.

The shift is also affecting model development. Developers face growing pressure to offer AI models that are more cost-efficient and better suited to particular industries and companies. This is creating a small but rapidly expanding opportunity for domain-specific language models.

Generative AI growth forecast revised

Gartner has increased its projected 2026 growth rate for generative AI models from 110% to 117%. The change comes as demand grows for models tailored to specific business and industry requirements rather than only broad, general-purpose use.

John-David Lovelock, a distinguished vice president analyst at Gartner, said the construction of AI data-centre capacity has become one of the largest infrastructure projects in human history. He said investment in AI-optimised servers by hyperscalers and service providers would remain the largest area of spending.

Lovelock also said companies are becoming less dependent on service providers for broad business transformation. Instead, they are placing greater emphasis on smaller, focused projects that add AI capabilities to existing software systems.

Potential services opportunity

The combined effect of large transformation projects and indirect AI projects could create a $1.2 trillion opportunity in AI services by 2030, according to the report. The projection covers the wider role of AI in services, software development, consulting and digital transformation.

That outlook suggests AI investment is expanding beyond technology infrastructure. Companies are increasingly concentrating on practical integration, cost management, workflow measurement and specialised applications.

Conclusion

Gartner’s forecast points to sustained AI investment in 2026, led by infrastructure, customised applications and more efficient models, while focused business projects could help expand the AI services market through 2030.