Gartner Forecasts Global IT Spending to Reach $6.31 Trillion in 2026 with 13.5% Growth

Worldwide IT spending is expected to reach $6.31 trillion in 2026, representing a 13.5% increase from 2025 levels, according to the latest forecast released by Gartner, Inc. On April 22, 2026.

The projection marks a significant upward revision from earlier estimates, with Gartner now forecasting stronger growth driven by sustained momentum in AI infrastructure and software segments. This latest outlook exceeds previous forecasts issued in October 2025 and February 2026, which had predicted 9.8% and 10.8% growth respectively, totaling $6.08 trillion and $6.15 trillion for 2026.

Data Center Systems Lead Growth Surge

Data center systems spending is set to experience the largest growth in 2026 at 55.8%, increasing from $505.6 billion in 2025 to $788.0 billion. This surge reflects expanding AI workloads and associated demand for high-performance compute infrastructure, as organizations scale their artificial intelligence capabilities.

Software and IT Services Show Strong Performance

Software spending is forecast to reach $1.44 trillion in 2026, growing 15.1% from $1.25 trillion in 2025. IT services, encompassing application implementation, managed services, infrastructure implementation, and IaaS, is projected to surpass $1.87 trillion in 2026, representing a 9.0% increase from the prior year and becoming the largest overall spending category.

Memory Segment Benefits from Supply Constraints

Robust demand combined with supply constraints has resulted in record price increases for high-bandwidth memory, positioning the memory segment as a lucrative area for semiconductor manufacturers. Gartner’s analysis indicates this dynamic is creating meaningful growth opportunities for companies delivering AI-optimized processors, accelerators, and enabling technologies.

Communications Services and Devices See Moderate Growth

Communications services spending is expected to reach $1.36 trillion in 2026, up 4.8% from $1.30 trillion in 2025. Devices spending, including PCs, smartphones, and tablets, is projected to grow 8.2% to $856.2 billion in 2026 from $791.7 billion in the prior year.

Overall IT Market Context

The overall IT market grew 10.5% in 2025 to reach $5.56 trillion, establishing the baseline for the projected 13.5% expansion in 2026. Gartner attributes the accelerated growth trajectory to the accelerating momentum in AI infrastructure and advanced memory markets, which are reshaping investment priorities across enterprises and technology providers.