Global AI adoption, visualized
Zheng Jie Lim · Artemis · Data as of
AI adoption depends on what counts as using AI. This August 2026 infographic separates estimated free or embedded use, paid tools, coding assistants and agents, with each person assigned to their most advanced interaction.
Reading the grid
The 2,480 cells represent 8.3 billion people: about 3.35 million people per cell. The graphic estimates 5.75 billion have never used AI, compared with 2.42 billion free or embedded users. Small categories are necessarily approximate at this scale; a cell is not a surveyed person.
The useful distinction is between reach and depth. Encountering AI inside an existing app and deliberately running an agent represent different levels of engagement. A single headline user count can hide that difference.
Sources and definitions
Microsoft’s Global AI Diffusion report for Q1 2026 measures adoption among the working-age population. This graphic uses the whole population, so the percentages are not directly interchangeable.
The JetBrains Developer Ecosystem 2025 survey describes AI use among developers. Its survey percentages are not worldwide user totals. Publisher user counts also overlap: the same person can use several products, so adding those counts would overstate unique adoption.
The original credits OpenAI, Google, QuestMobile, JetBrains, SlashData, Microsoft and Artemis estimates. The links above explain relevant measurement methods; they do not independently reproduce every estimate in the artwork. This remains a dated research snapshot.
Related: what x402 payments reveal about agent infrastructure.
View the original infographic · More writing
Notes reviewed .
© 2026 Zheng Jie Lim. All rights reserved. Image use.