Gartner Projects AI Model Spending to Hit $64 Billion

Worldwide end-user spending on artificial intelligence platforms and models is projected to reach $64 billion in 2026, a 63.4% increase from $39 billion in 2025. According to Gartner, spending on generative AI models is expected to grow 117%, while AI platforms are forecast to increase by 36.9%. The most rapid growth is expected in domain-specific language models and specialized AI models, with spending projected to rise 210% from $1.6 billion to $4.9 billion.

Despite this growth, enterprise AI budgets are facing increased scrutiny. Companies are shifting their focus toward cost control, usage efficiency, and measurable business outcomes to manage the unpredictability of usage-based pricing. This trend favors providers that integrate cost transparency and usage tracking directly into customer workflows.

Arunasree Cheparthi, a Senior Principal Research Analyst at Gartner, notes that buyers are increasingly seeking platforms that help them monitor performance and enforce policy. This shift puts pressure on providers to demonstrate real adoption, sustained use, and durable margins to maintain their market position.