The state of AI in 2026: what business leaders really need to know

Artificial intelligence (AI) has stopped being a fringe experiment. In 2025–2026, AI software development has turned into a cornerstone of modern business infrastructure, and companies that ignore this shift risk falling behind.

AI adoption is massive and still accelerating

According to recent data, about 88% of companies worldwide now use AI in at least one business operation.
That’s a dramatic jump from just a few years ago: in 2017, only around 20% of businesses used AI.

Generative AI is a leading growth area. As of 2025, most organizations use generative‑AI tools regularly, not just for isolated tasks but as parts of their everyday workflows.

This widespread adoption spans industries from retail and marketing to finance, manufacturing, and services. The trend is clear: AI is no longer optional — it’s becoming foundational.

The rise of AI software development and its business impact

This transformation is fueling demand for specialized services. The market for AI in software development is growing fast. In 2025, the global AI in software development market was estimated at close to US$ 933 million and is projected to reach nearly US$ 15.7 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of roughly 42.3%.

Why the surge? Because businesses increasingly understand that off‑the‑shelf AI tools often don’t match their unique processes, data, or competitive edge. Custom AI software development services allow companies to build tailored applications, from predictive analytics to intelligent automation, from generative content tools to complex decision-support systems, that fit their precise needs.

Furthermore, developers are embracing AI coding tools in large numbers: about 92% now use AI in at least one part of their workflow, and 72.2% of companies report using AI for code generation. This means AI software development is no longer a futuristic option; it is deeply embedded in how software is built, maintained, and evolved.

Where adoption often stalls — and what separates leaders from laggards

Despite the strong momentum, many companies remain in pilot mode. Although a large share reports AI use, only about one‑third have started scaling their AI programs beyond experimentation.

That gap often reflects real-world challenges: data quality issues, lack of in-house AI expertise, difficulty integrating AI with legacy systems, and the need for robust governance. As a result, only a subset of companies, the ones that combine technical competency with a clear business strategy, actually reap the full benefits.

Companies that succeed tend to follow a few common patterns:

• They treat AI software development services as strategic investments rather than quick pilots

• They tailor AI solutions to their own workflows and data, avoiding one-size-fits-all tools

• They maintain a strong balance between automation and human oversight, especially where decision‑making or regulatory compliance matters

How this matters for business leaders in 2026

For any forward-looking C‑suite executive or business leader, the message is straightforward: investing in AI software development is no longer optional if you want to stay competitive. Whether you run a startup, a mid‑sized company, or a large enterprise, AI offers dramatic potential to accelerate innovation, optimize operations, and improve decision-making.

Yet successful adoption requires more than buying a license; it demands the right partner. That means working with a trusted AI software development company that understands both technology and business needs, and that can deliver AI software development services tailored to your industry and objectives.

At BySix we specialize in delivering end-to-end AI software development services. We help businesses take full advantage of AI, from initial assessment and strategy, through custom development and integration, to deployment and ongoing support. Given the trends above, nearly 9 in 10 companies are using AI, and the booming growth of AI-driven development, choosing an experienced AI software development company like BySix can make the difference between a stalled pilot and a real business transformation.

If you’re ready to move beyond experimentation and build AI-powered software tailored to your company’s needs, get in touch with BySix, because 2026 is the year AI becomes business as usual.