Global IT spending is projected to reach $6.31 trillion in 2026, marking a 13.5% increase over 2025, according to Gartner. The growth is being driven by sustained momentum in AI infrastructure, software, and cloud services, reshaping enterprise investment priorities.
At the core of this surge is the rapid scaling of AI workloads, fueling demand for high-performance computing, advanced memory, and data center capacity.
“This forecast underscores the accelerating momentum in AI infrastructure and advanced memory,” said John-David Lovelock, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner, noting that rising AI workloads are creating strong demand for AI-optimized processors and related technologies.
Data centers lead growth
Data center systems are expected to see the fastest growth, rising 55.8% to nearly $788 billion in 2026, largely driven by hyperscaler investments. Meanwhile, IT services will remain the largest segment, projected to surpass $1.87 trillion, supported by demand for managed services and IaaS.
Software spending is also set to grow 15.1%, led by GenAI-driven applications and model development.
Multi-speed IT market emerges
Gartner highlights a growing multi-speed IT market, where AI-focused segments significantly outperform traditional categories. Hyperscale cloud demand is accelerating server and data center investments, while GenAI software continues to see outsized gains.
In contrast, device spending, expected to reach $856 billion, is growing more slowly due to rising memory costs, which are increasing prices and delaying replacement cycles.
“Strong demand and supply constraints have led to record price increases for high-bandwidth memory,” Lovelock noted, adding that this segment presents significant opportunities for semiconductor players.
A structural shift in IT investments
The outlook signals a broader shift in enterprise spending toward AI-ready infrastructure, cloud platforms, and intelligent software, while traditional segments face cost pressures.
As AI adoption deepens, Gartner’s forecast makes it clear that AI is now the primary driver of global IT spending growth, redefining how organizations allocate technology budgets.