According to Gartner IT forecast 2026 global IT spending is expected to rise to USD 6.08 trillion by 2026, an increase of 9,8 % compared to 2025. The new report from Gartner Inc. shows that AI infrastructure, data center and smart devices are behind the strongest growth in years.
Gartner analysts presented the results during Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2025 in Orlando, where they discussed how changing market conditions, generative AI, and a recovering hardware market are shaping the global IT economy heading into 2026.
The IT market is recovering after the uncertainty break
After a temporary slowdown during the second quarter 2025 The market is now showing clear signs of recovery.
"The uncertainty pause that began in the second quarter of 2025 are easing, and we are now seeing a significant increase in IT budgets towards the end of the year,” says John David Lovelock, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner.
He further explains that generative AI is in a phase where the functions have been integrated into existing enterprise solutions, which results in increased costs.
”"Despite the fact that GenAI went through a disappointing phase in 2026, the technology is now integrated into software that is already in use, and these features cost more money. The cost of software is increasing, but so is the value and functionality thanks to GenAI.”
Different segments grow at different rates
Despite a total growth at close to 10 %, not all segments will develop equally quickly.
Lovelock points out that software and services not recovering at the same rate as units and data center system.
”Vertical-specific software is more affected by political decisions and business uncertainty, which has led to a slower recovery in some industries,” he explains.
Table 1. Global IT Spending Forecast (USD Millions)
| Segment | Expenditures 2025 | Growth 2025 (%) | Expenditures 2026 | Growth 2026 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data center systems | 489 451 | 46,8 | 582 446 | 19,0 |
| Units | 783 157 | 8,4 | 836 275 | 6,8 |
| Software | 1 244 308 | 11,9 | 1 433 037 | 15,2 |
| IT services | 1 719 340 | 6,5 | 1 869 269 | 8,7 |
| Communication services | 1 304 165 | 3,8 | 1 363 058 | 4,5 |
| Total IT | 5 540 421 | 10,0 | 6 084 085 | 9,8 |
Source: Gartner (October 2025)
AI-powered devices and data center demand increases
The strong growth of unit market continues into 2026. In the first half of 2025, unexpectedly high sales of mobile phones and computers were reported, which contributed to spending rising by over 8 % to USD 783 billion.
”Growth in 2025 will be driven primarily by stronger demand for mobile phones,” says Lovelock. ”The availability of AI devices has increased total spending by more than $30 billion. However, this shift in demand means that growth in 2026 is expected to be somewhat lower.”
At the same time, the race to build AI infrastructure demand for data center and AI-optimized server racks, although growth is still hampered by supply constraints.
Gartner's methodology and forecasting model
Gartner IT forecast 2026 based on extensive analyses of sales data from over 1,000 suppliers in hardware, software, IT services and telecom. Gartner combines primary research with secondary sources to create an accurate and data-driven picture of market developments.
The quarterly Gartner IT Spending Forecast provides a unique overview of future investments and helps companies understand both market opportunities and risks. The latest version, Gartner Market Databook 3Q25 Update, is available to customers, along with the free webinar IT Spending Forecast 3Q25 Update: How the Intelligence Supercycle Will Transform IT Buying.
AI Use Cases and Gartner Symposium/Xpo
In addition to the forecast, Gartner presents its tool AI Use Case Insights, which helps technology and business leaders identify and prioritize AI initiatives.
Users can explore over 500 AI use cases and 380 case studies within different industries based on business value and application.
The tool is available at tools.gartner.com/use-case-insights.
Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo remains one of the world's most influential meeting places for CIOs and IT leaders who want to drive digital transformation with AI at its center. Follow updates via #GartnerSYM on X and LinkedIn, as well as in Gartner Newsroom.
Summary
Gartner IT forecast 2026 underlines that the global IT market is entering a new growth phase, with AI infrastructure, devices and data centers as clear growth drivers. Despite some challenges in supply chains and vertical-specific software, the forecast shows a strong and broad global expansion which for the first time brings IT spending above $6 trillion.
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