TMT Predictions 2026: The gap narrows, but persists

A quick look at our 13 topics for 2026

Gen AI inside existing search engines overtakes standalone gen AI

Gen AI, possibly one of the most consequential technologies of our decade, may see its user base widen faster through its incorporation into existing mainstream digital applications than through its usage on a standalone basis

Deloitte predicts that in 2026 and beyond, more people will use gen AI when it’s embedded within an existing application—such as a search engine—than those using a standalone gen AI tool. In terms of daily use, accessing gen AI within a search engine (when a search yields a synthesis of results) will be 300% more common than using any standalone gen AI tool. Standalone gen AI may require skill in prompt engineering and persistence, whereas passive gen AI is less overt and the experience more familiar; as such, demand is greater because it’s more accessible. Going forward, standalone gen AI app owners will likely face a choice between embedding their tools’ capabilities within another application or remaining a standalone interface.

Why AI’s next phase will likely demand more computational power, not less

The world is moving from just training gen AI models to using them at scale. Many believe this means more consumer edge computing and less data center computing. Neither is likely to happen in 2026.

Deloitte predicts that “inference”—running AI models—will account for two-thirds of all AI computing power by 2026. Despite forecasts to the contrary, most inference will still take place in new data centers worth nearly half a trillion dollars and in on-premises enterprise servers using costly, power-intensive AI chips worth over $200 billion, rather than at the edge on inexpensive, lower-powered chips. There will be billions of dollars’ worth of specialized chips optimized for inference, but they’ll sit in data centers and enterprise servers as well, and some will use as much or even more power than general-purpose AI chips do.

Unlocking exponential value with AI agent orchestration

Autonomous AI agents may be transformational, but orchestration can be key for intelligent automation. Open-source and proprietary communication protocols will compete to lead the way.

On average, market estimates suggest that the autonomous AI agent market could reach $8.5 billion by 2026 and $35 billion by 2030. Deloitte predicts that if enterprises orchestrate agents better and thoughtfully address the associated challenges and risks, this market projection could increase by 15% to 30%—or as high as $45 billion by 2030. In 2026, businesses will likely work on their readiness to orchestrate agents with a specific degree of autonomy. Also, multi-agent systems will likely work for those businesses that focus on agent interoperability and management and redesign their workflows and talent effectively.

AI for industrial robotics, humanoid robots, and drones

Can more powerful AI models and chips catalyze what has been a relatively stagnant industry?

Deloitte predicts that the global cumulative installed capacity of industrial robots could reach 5.5 million by 2026, but annual new robot sales have stalled at just over half a million units since 2021. We could see an inflection point by 2030, with annual new robot shipments doubling from current levels to reach one million a year, driven by the following growth catalysts: (i) labor shortages in specialized industrial applications in developed countries and (ii) exponential advancements in computing power and the emergence of specialized foundational AI models. Robots can permeate multiple industries and applications, including autonomous drones, but unless the broader technology, AI, and robotics ecosystem addresses bottlenecks related to data quality, integration, and cybersecurity, the market for industrial robots may remain at its current level of relatively modest annual growth.

SaaS meets AI agents: Transforming budgets, customer experience, and workforce dynamics

As AI agents pervade the SaaS market, how businesses experience and leverage software will likely change—shifting business models, capabilities, and expectations 

AI continues to disrupt the software as a service market. As agentic AI capabilities mature and vendors build out their platforms to create, integrate, and orchestrate AI agents, how organizations use and spend on SaaS could shift dramatically. In 2026, SaaS applications will likely become more intelligent, personalized, and autonomous, evolving toward a federation of real-time workflow services that can learn. Traditional pricing could shift away from seat-based and subscription licensing toward a more hybrid approach that blends consumption- and outcome-based models. In the longer term, some are even suggesting that sufficiently advanced agentic AI could replace existing enterprise SaaS. All these shifts will increase the complexity around financial planning, operations, ecosystem management, and value measurement. 

New technologies and familiar challenges could make semiconductor supply chains more fragile

With escalating trade restrictions on critical next-gen AI chip technologies, leaders should adapt quickly to make supply chains more resilient

Making the most advanced chips has, for a long time, meant navigating fragile supply chains, but the stakes are much higher now. Extreme ultraviolet lithography has been restricted for years, but Deloitte predicts that in 2026, certain other advanced technologies and software tools that enable advanced AI models will become supply chain chokepoints. Many of these high-tech processes and materials rely on a handful of suppliers whose dominance in key regions has prompted governments to impose trade barriers to protect strategic interests and reduce dependency, underscoring the critical role they play in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Tiny episodes, massive appeal: Short-form serials are gaining viewers and empowering independent studios

From independent creators to major platforms, micro-series are helping redefine how viewers connect with and consume content worldwide

Micro-series—scripted video series told in bite-sized, mobile-first episodes—are reshaping global viewing habits. Micro-series apps now generate billions in revenue, with the United States leading growth. In 2026, Deloitte predicts that the revenue growth of in-app micro-series will more than double, reaching $7.8 billion. Deloitte also predicts that the United States will account for half of global revenue in 2025, but its share will decline to 40% as other markets convert more views and downloads into cash. Micro-dramas blend short-form convenience with serialized storytelling, appealing to fragmented, mobile audiences. Uplifted by new technologies, independent creators are building studios that are lean and nimble, potentially challenging larger and more traditional studios.

Video podcasts dominate: Opportunity for brands, competition for traditional video 

Podcasting is becoming a video-first, multilingual medium with booming reach that may help brands reach global audiences while occupying a larger share of viewers’ screen time

Video podcasts (vodcasts) are transforming audience engagement by blending audio storytelling with visual appeal and may be competing directly with TV and streaming platforms. Deloitte predicts that annual global podcast and vodcast advertising revenues will reach approximately $5 billion in 2026—a nearly 20% year-over-year rise. Emerging markets such as India, Nigeria, and Brazil are fueling this growth through localized and multilingual content. Overcoming challenges related to discoverability, monetization, and scalability will likely be key to sustained growth.

A new era of self-reliance: Navigating technology sovereignty

Countries and regional blocs are racing to build out their own sovereign tech and AI infrastructures. What are the implications, and how can global businesses prepare?  

As the global geopolitical environment becomes increasingly complex and uncertain, businesses and policymakers are urging their countries and regions to take greater direct control of their digital infrastructure, especially those parts related to AI. The desire for sovereignty is not new, but the shift toward technology sovereignty will likely quicken in 2026. Over the next decade, significant investment will flow into cloud computing, semiconductors, data centers, AI models, connectivity, and satellite communication efforts. In an interconnected world, total sovereignty is unlikely to be achieved by any country or region, but many are aiming to become at least more sovereign.

Generative AI video is perfect for social media, but could disrupt social media companies 

Approaching Hollywood quality, the latest gen AI video models appear to be supercharging independent video but could provoke a stronger regulatory response against social video platforms

Generative video could empower independent creators and boost platforms’ ad revenues—but it also risks overwhelming audiences, eroding authenticity, and fueling misinformation, likely intensifying regulatory scrutiny. Deloitte predicts that in 2026, generative video could provoke a regulatory response in the United States, potentially driving broader age verification in more states, refreshing federal challenges to Section 230 protections established in 1996 under the Communications Decency Act, and requiring labeling for AI-generated content published on social platforms. Success will likely hinge on balancing innovation with moderation, as unchecked generative video could disrupt business models, accelerate misinformation, and further fragment society’s shared sense of reality.

Public media partnerships with streaming giants could be a model for making traditional TV sustainable

Public service broadcasters are publishing to social platforms, co-producing with streamers, and forming partnerships with the largest video distributors. They can offer lessons to for-profit US media companies.

Public service broadcasters (PSBs) are adapting to the pressures facing many traditional networks by coproducing with streamers, promoting content on social platforms, and experimenting with staggered releases. These strategies help extend reach, attract younger audiences, and inject local content into global platforms. In 2025, there was an acceleration, with three notable deals between broadcasters and streamers in just a few months. In 2026, Deloitte predicts another handful of broadcaster-and-streamer deals. Further, we also expect to see more coproductions and other initiatives—once again led by PSBs. Their adaptability can offer lessons for US broadcasters and niche studios facing similar disruption from streaming and social video. However, PSBs should be careful when navigating for-profit relationships that could threaten their mandates to represent the public.

Next-gen satellite internet is transforming pricing, capacity, and regulation worldwide

Satellite connectivity sees direct-to-device growth but often faces monetization hurdles, while low-Earth-orbit data expansion and tech advancements help reshape deployment and resilience, and create regulation complexities

Deloitte predicted spending on direct-to-device (D2D) network infrastructure—mainly satellites—at $3 billion in 2024, but it reached around $4 billion and is expected to rise to between $6 billion and $8 billion by 2026. Deloitte also predicts that around 1,000 D2D satellites will provide low-bandwidth connectivity services (SOS, text, and voice) in areas that may lack terrestrial cell coverage, with some D2D networks aspiring to provide higher-speed services. Adoption and willingness to pay for D2D remain uncertain, meaning monetization and business models for D2D are still unclear. We further predict that the number of communications satellites in low Earth orbit will reach between 15,000 and 18,000 satellites, connecting over 15 million global subscribers by the end of 2026. Another trend for 2026 in low Earth orbit will be new entrants that may disrupt emerging-market telcos with low-cost monthly broadband services, rather than partnering with terrestrial telcos as some other satellite providers are.

Gifts beat gigabits: Some mobile users rank rewards over network upgrades

Some consumers in developed markets struggle to perceive improvements in network performance. Telecom companies should consider more creative offerings to increase market share. 

Deloitte predicts that in 2026, mobile operator reward schemes may matter to consumers in developed markets as much as—or even more than—network performance. In the medium term (the next five years through 2030), there is a reasonable probability that no new fundamentally revolutionary devices connecting to mobile networks will emerge, nor will there be any transformative applications running on these networks. Over the remainder of the decade, as network upgrades continue, non-network benefits may become increasingly critical to attract users or suppress churn. Such perks may be more tangible to consumers than network infrastructure upgrades.