Global AI spending to hit $64.2 billion by 2026

Gartner predicts global spending on AI models and platforms will reach $64.2 billion in 2026, up 63.4% from 2025. Generative AI model investment will jump 117%, while AI platform spending grows 36.9%.

Spending on basic GenAI models will rise from $11.4 billion to $23.3 billion, with domain-specific language models seeing the biggest growth at 210%. Gartner analysts say businesses are tightening AI budgets, focusing on cost, performance, and reliability.

Vendors offering evaluation tools and cost tracking will have an edge. The long-term winners will be platforms that help companies manage AI use across their operations.