AI Spending to Hit $2.5 Trillion in 2026, Gartner Forecasts

Global AI Investment Surges as Infrastructure Drives Growth

Worldwide spending on artificial intelligence is projected to reach a staggering $2.52 trillion in 2026, representing a massive 44% year-over-year increase according to new research from Gartner, the leading technology research and advisory firm. This forecast highlights the accelerating pace of AI adoption across global markets as organizations shift from experimental projects to substantial infrastructure investments.

Infrastructure Leads the Charge

The growth is primarily driven by AI infrastructure investments, with AI-optimized servers expected to increase by 49% and account for 17% of total AI spending. AI infrastructure construction alone will generate $401 billion in additional spending in 2026 as technology providers continue building out foundational AI systems.

'AI adoption is fundamentally shaped by the readiness of both human capital and organizational processes, not merely by financial investment,' said John-David Lovelock, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner. 'Organizations with greater experiential maturity and self-awareness are increasingly prioritizing proven outcomes over speculative potential.'

Market Breakdown and Growth Projections

According to Gartner's detailed market analysis, AI services spending is expected to rise from $439 billion in 2025 to $589 billion in 2026, while AI software spending will cross $452 billion. The complete market breakdown shows AI infrastructure leading at $1.37 trillion, followed by AI services at $589 billion, and AI software at $452 billion.

The research indicates that AI is currently in what Gartner calls the Trough of Disillusionment phase of the technology hype cycle. 'Because AI is in the Trough of Disillusionment throughout 2026, it will most often be sold to enterprises by their incumbent software provider rather than bought as part of a new moonshot project,' Lovelock explained. 'The improved predictability of ROI must occur before AI can truly be scaled up by the enterprise.'

Long-Term Outlook and Industry Impact

Looking beyond 2026, Gartner projects continued strong growth with AI spending expected to reach $3.33 trillion by 2027. This sustained investment reflects the strategic importance organizations are placing on AI capabilities across multiple industry sectors including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.

The shift in spending patterns indicates a maturing market where enterprises are becoming more selective and focusing on return on investment, governance, and scalability rather than experimental deployments. Large enterprises and established technology vendors are leading adoption, embedding AI into existing systems rather than pursuing standalone ventures.

Gartner, founded in 1979 and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, has become the world's leading research and advisory company with over 21,000 employees globally. The firm's AI expertise and proprietary tools like AskGartner provide clients with actionable insights for implementing AI strategies.

As organizations navigate this transformative period, the focus has shifted from visionary pilot projects to practical implementations that deliver measurable business value. With infrastructure investments leading the way, the AI market appears poised for sustained growth as it moves toward what Gartner describes as the 'plateau of productivity' in the coming years.