The world of app startups is constantly evolving, with new trends and statistics emerging every year. In this article, we'll explore the top IT outsourcing trends that will shape the industry in 2026.

As the global IT outsourcing market continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, businesses are increasingly prioritizing nearshoring and "friendshoring" to reduce supply chain risks and improve collaboration. This shift has led to a surge in demand for custom software development services companies with proven nearshore capabilities and AI expertise. Gone are the days of pure cost reduction; instead, organizations are seeking value-based partnerships that drive strategic growth.

The current state of IT outsourcing trends

The global market for IT outsourcing has reached an impressive $66.5 billion annually, with software outsourcing making up around half of the total market share. This growth is expected to continue at a CAGR of 7.54% from 2023-2027. However, competition is rising as more countries strive to develop their own IT outsourcing industries.

Challenges and evolution

As the industry continues to evolve, software outsourcing firms must stay ahead of the curve by embracing current trends. With increased competition comes greater pressure to deliver high-quality services that meet customer needs. The key to success lies in understanding the underlying factors driving these trends.

Factors that affect app startup ideas

To fully grasp the top IT outsourcing trends for 2026, it's essential to understand the underlying factors shaping the industry. One significant driver is the increasing importance of software in modern business. Software has never been more critical to a company's success, with many processes relying on complex custom-built tools.

Another factor is the growing need for businesses to find ways to outcompete rivals in an increasingly global market. Today's software offers unparalleled opportunities for companies to gain a competitive edge, assuming they can find the right developer to build the right solution.

Top 7 IT Outsourcing Trends for 2026

Here are the top 7 IT outsourcing trends that will shape the industry in 2026:

  1. Changing Contracts: Gone are the days of traditional contracts focused on deliverables, timetables, and budget. Businesses now want service-level agreements (SLAs) that prioritize business value and impact.
  1. AI-Driven Development Processes: The increasing adoption of AI-driven development processes is revolutionizing the way software is built and maintained.
  1. Specialized Custom Software Solutions: The demand for specialized custom software solutions that require deep domain expertise is on the rise.
  1. Nearshoring and "Friendshoring": Businesses are prioritizing nearshoring and "friendshoring" to reduce supply chain risks and improve collaboration.
  1. Digital Transformation: Digital transformation is no longer a one-time event; it's an ongoing process that requires continuous adaptation and innovation.
  1. Agile Practices: The need for Agile practices in software development has become more critical than ever, as customers' needs are constantly evolving.
  1. Value-Based Partnerships: Organizations are seeking value-based partnerships that drive strategic growth, rather than purely cost reduction.

By understanding these top IT outsourcing trends and statistics, app startup ideas can stay ahead of the curve and position themselves for success in 2026.