Introduction
Global spending on artificial intelligence (AI) is set to reach nearly $1.5 trillion in 2025, marking a 50% increase over 2024. This trend highlights AI's growing role in technology products and services, with tangible impacts for businesses and users.
Context
According to Gartner, AI integration in devices like smartphones and PCs, along with infrastructure expansion, will drive global spending. By 2026, total spending is expected to exceed $2 trillion.
Direct definition
Global AI spending refers to worldwide investments in AI-related technologies, services, and infrastructure.
Key sectors driving AI spending
In 2025, generative AI in smartphones will lead investments, followed by AI services, optimized servers, AI semiconductors, application software, and infrastructure software. Major hyperscalers will continue investing in AI-optimized data centers and hardware.
- Generative AI on smartphones: $298 billion
- AI services: $282 billion
- AI-optimized servers: $267 billion
- AI semiconductors: $209 billion
- AI application software: $172 billion
- AI infrastructure software: $126 billion
The Challenge
The rapid expansion of AI brings challenges in scaling infrastructure, managing costs, and ensuring access to advanced technologies for companies of all sizes.
Solution / Approach
Companies are investing in specialized data centers and hardware to support increasingly complex AI services, focusing on efficiency and scalability.
Conclusion
The growth in global AI spending in 2025 offers real opportunities for innovation and competitiveness, but requires targeted investments and long-term strategies.
FAQ
What are the main sectors driving global AI spending?
Generative AI on smartphones, AI services, and hardware infrastructure are the most relevant sectors.
How much will AI spending grow in 2025?
Global AI spending will increase by 50% over 2024, reaching nearly $1.5 trillion.
What is the role of hyperscalers in AI spending growth?
Hyperscalers invest in AI-optimized data centers and hardware to scale global services.
How does AI spending impact businesses?
Businesses gain access to advanced technologies but face costs and implementation challenges.
What are the forecasts for 2026?
Global AI spending is expected to exceed $2 trillion, driven by consumer product integration.
What risks come with rapid AI spending growth?
Main risks are scalability, high costs, and limited accessibility for SMEs.
How is spending distributed between AI hardware and software?
Spending focuses on optimized hardware, semiconductors, and application and infrastructure software.
Why is generative AI on smartphones so relevant?
It is the segment with the greatest practical impact and user reach.