Shaping the future of technology, media, and telecommunications

Deloitte Insights’ "TMT Predictions 2026" offers a forward-looking analysis of the transformative trends set to redefine the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) sectors over the coming year.  

These predictions arrive at a pivotal moment for the technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. After years of rapid innovation and hype—particularly around artificial intelligence—the industry is entering a phase where practical implementation and scalability take centre stage. This shift reflects a maturing market that demands not just breakthrough technologies but sustainable, responsible integration that delivers tangible business and societal value. 

The evolving landscape is shaped by a convergence of forces: technological advances are accelerating, yet organisations face increasing complexity from regulatory scrutiny, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain vulnerabilities. Consumer behaviours are also transforming, with audiences seeking more personalised, immersive, and convenient media experiences, while telecom users become more discerning about the value beyond raw network speed. 

In this context, the outlook for TMT is both challenging and full of opportunity. Success will favour those who balance innovation with pragmatism—investing in foundational capabilities like data governance, interoperability, and workforce readiness, while navigating an increasingly fragmented global environment. Deloitte’s 2026 predictions highlight this nuanced reality, offering a roadmap for leaders to anticipate change, adapt strategies, and lead with resilience in a world where technology is deeply woven into every aspect of business and life. 

Deloitte’s TMT Predictions 2026 highlights 13 critical developments shaping the TMT sectors in the coming year. With a strong focus on the practical scaling of artificial intelligence, evolving media consumption habits, supply chain dynamics, and geopolitical shifts, these predictions provide valuable insights for businesses aiming to navigate and thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Below is an expanded overview of each prediction: 

The 13 TMT predictions for 2026 

1. Generative AI inside existing search engines will surpass standalone Gen AI usage 

In 2026, more users will interact with generative AI (gen AI) embedded within mainstream applications like search engines rather than standalone AI tools. Passive AI use—where AI is integrated invisibly into familiar apps—will be 300% more common daily than active use of standalone gen AI apps. This shift lowers barriers to adoption, especially among older demographics, and challenges standalone AI app providers to embed their capabilities or risk losing relevance. 

2. AI’s next phase will demand more computational power, not less 

Contrary to expectations that AI inference will shift to low-power edge devices, Deloitte predicts that by 2026, two-thirds of AI compute will still occur in power-intensive data centres and enterprise servers using expensive AI chips. New AI scaling techniques such as post-training and test-time scaling will increase compute demands, requiring massive investments in AI data centres and chips, with capital expenditure expected to reach $400–450 billion globally in 2026. 

3. Unlocking exponential value with AI agent orchestration 

The autonomous AI agent market could reach 8.5 billion in 2026 and 35 billion by 2030. Effective orchestration—coordinating multiple AI agents to work together intelligently—will be crucial to unlocking this value. Businesses will focus on agent interoperability, workflow redesign, and human oversight to manage complexity and risks, moving toward more autonomous multiagent systems. 

4. AI for industrial robotics, humanoid robots, and drones 

Although industrial robot shipments have plateaued at around 500,000 units annually, Deloitte predicts growth catalysts such as labour shortages and advanced AI models will drive adoption, potentially doubling shipments to 1 million by 2030. AI-powered humanoid robots and autonomous drones will become more capable but face challenges in data integration, cybersecurity, and safety. 

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

AI agents will increasingly permeate the SaaS market, making applications more intelligent, personalised, and autonomous. This will disrupt traditional pricing models, shifting from seat-based subscriptions to hybrid usage- and outcome-based pricing. SaaS vendors and customers will face new complexities in implementation, monetisation, and workforce collaboration with AI agents. 

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

Escalating trade restrictions on advanced AI chip technologies and manufacturing tools will create new chokepoints in semiconductor supply chains. Critical technologies like extreme ultraviolet lithography and high-bandwidth memory co-packaging will be affected by export controls, prompting companies to enhance supply chain resilience and adapt to geopolitical risks. 

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

Micro-series—scripted short-form serials designed for mobile-first consumption—are rapidly growing in popularity, with in-app revenues expected to more than double to $7.8 billion in 2026. Independent creators are leveraging AI and social platforms to produce engaging content, challenging traditional social media and streaming platforms by offering serialised storytelling that appeals to fragmented, mobile audiences. 

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

Video podcasts (vodcasts) are transforming long-form media consumption by combining audio storytelling with visual elements. Annual global ad revenues for podcasts and vodcasts are predicted to reach $5 billion in 2026, driven by emerging markets and multilingual content. Vodcasts deepen audience engagement and compete with traditional TV and streaming platforms for screen time. 

9. A new era of self-reliance: navigating technology sovereignty 

Countries and regions are accelerating investments to build sovereign tech and AI infrastructures, including cloud, semiconductors, AI compute, and satellite communications. While total sovereignty is unlikely, over $100 billion will be committed to sovereign AI compute by 2026. This trend will reshape global technology ecosystems, regulatory landscapes, and supply chains. 

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

Generative AI video tools empower independent creators and social platforms with low-cost, high-volume content creation but risk overwhelming audiences, eroding authenticity, and fuelling misinformation. Deloitte predicts regulatory responses in the US, including age verification, labelling of AI-generated content, and challenges to platform liability protections, as platforms balance innovation with moderation. 

11. Public media partnerships with streaming giants could be a model for making traditional tv sustainable 

Public service broadcasters (PSBs) are innovating by co-producing with streamers, publishing on social platforms, and experimenting with staggered releases to reach younger audiences and extend reach. These partnerships offer lessons for US broadcasters and niche studios facing disruption, though PSBs must carefully manage risks to editorial independence and public mission. 

12. Next-Gen satellite internet is transforming pricing, capacity, and regulation worldwide 

Low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite constellations and direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services are expanding rapidly, with over 15,000 satellites expected in orbit by 2026 and global subscribers surpassing 15 million. While monetisation models for D2D remain unclear, LEO providers will increasingly compete with terrestrial broadband, especially in emerging markets. Regulatory and spectrum management challenges will be pivotal. 

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

In developed markets, consumers increasingly value loyalty rewards and perks as much as or more than network performance improvements. As network upgrades become less perceptible, telecom operators will need to focus on creative reward schemes to attract and retain customers. Younger generations and higher-income users show greater propensity to switch networks for rewards. 

Conclusion 

The TMT Predictions 2026 report underscores a maturing AI landscape focused on scaling and integration, evolving media consumption patterns, geopolitical shifts affecting supply chains and sovereignty, and changing consumer preferences in telecommunications. Organisations that strategically embrace these trends—balancing innovation with governance, sustainability, and customer-centricity—will be best positioned to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy. 

The full Deloitte 2026 TMT predictions can be accessed here.