IDC's Worldwide Edge Spending Guide Taxonomy, 2026: Release V1, 2026

This IDC study provides details on forecast inclusions and the taxonomy for IDC's Worldwide Edge Spending Guide, released as version 1 for February 2026. It is meant to be used as a companion to IDC's Worldwide Edge Taxonomy. Technology vendors and suppliers can refer to this document to identify changes in the taxonomy from the previous version of the Edge Spending Guide forecast, understand forecast overlaps with other IDC Spending Guides, and learn about the methodological approach used in the forecast. In addition, this document serves as a comprehensive guide for stakeholders who want to navigate the complex landscape of the global edge market by understanding various technology components, geographies, key industries, domains, and specific use cases."The rapidly evolving landscape of edge computing is entering a new phase in 2026, driven by the accelerating integration of edge AI and the emergence of physical AI - intelligent, embodied systems capable of sensing, analyzing, and acting in real time. As organizations combine AI at the edge with IoT, robotics, AR/VR, and autonomous systems, they unlock unprecedented capabilities for on-device processing, ultra-low latency, and resilient, context-aware operations. Edge AI enables instantaneous decision-making, predictive maintenance, and adaptive automation, transforming industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and retail. In 2026, we anticipate a sharp expansion of AI-enhanced edge architectures, rising demand for distributed analytics, increased emphasis on energy-efficient and sustainable AI models, and rapid growth of industry-specific physical AI applications," said Alexandra Rotaru, Edge SG product lead and data and analytics manager, IDC's Data and Analytics Group. "Understanding the evolving dynamics of the edge AI ecosystem is now essential for stakeholders across all sectors."IDC's Worldwide Edge Spending Guide taxonomy and the companion forecast in IDC's Worldwide Edge Spending Guide are the result of comprehensive research conducted by IDC analysts, which aims to provide valuable insights to clients regarding the technology buyer outlook in this rapidly evolving market.