2026: A Pivotal Year for Artificial Intelligence's Future

After years of hype and ambitious promises, the artificial intelligence sector appears to be approaching a critical juncture.

According to a recent report by Forbes, 2026 is expected to be a year of significant decision-making rather than wonder, as global leadership structures in this highly competitive field begin to take shape amidst financial pressures, rapid innovation, and escalating geopolitical tensions.

Here are seven key developments anticipated to reshape the global AI landscape and potentially alter the balance of power among companies and nations:

1. Anthropic Set to Go Public While OpenAI Hesitates
Given the substantial costs of development, Anthropic is expected to be the first major AI lab to go public, benefiting from a clearer business model, while OpenAI continues to rely on private funding and delays its entry into financial markets.

2. Potential Leaks Could Shake Up AI Giants
The secrecy surrounding the Safe Superintelligence (SSI) lab may not last long, as predictions suggest that insights into its research approach could prompt major global labs to rethink their strategies and adjust their development paths.

3. China Closing the Gap in the Chip Race
Despite U.S. restrictions, China is expected to make gradual advancements in domestic AI chip development. While competition with Nvidia remains distant, Beijing is charting a long-term path toward technological independence.

4. The Dream of General Artificial Intelligence Fades
Following a wave of optimism, discussions about the imminent arrival of General Artificial Intelligence (AGI) are diminishing, giving way to a practical focus on real-world applications and direct economic returns.

5. An Accounting Crisis Looms
The wear and tear on AI chips and the accelerated obsolescence of hardware could lead to a genuine financial crisis, impacting corporate profits and market valuations amid rising debt levels.

6. Custom Chips Move from Concept to Reality
The year 2026 may see the launch of actual projects aimed at developing custom chips, spearheaded by AI labs and robotics firms, driven by advancements in hardware design automation.

7. Leadership Changes Possible at OpenAI
Amid increasing competition and pressure to become a public company, OpenAI may undergo a restructuring of its leadership, potentially resulting in significant changes in executive positions.