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G2 Releases Winter 2026 Reports: A New Era for Software Categories

On December 3, 2025, G2, the largest software marketplace globally, unveiled its Winter 2026 Reports, revealing a wealth of insights about the current state of software and services. With over 26,500 reports covering more than 1,300 categories, this release highlights major growth trends, especially those driven by artificial intelligence (AI).

Rise of AI Categories

One of the most remarkable developments reflected in this season's reports is the surge of AI-driven categories. Among these, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) made its debut as a G2 Grid® eligible category for the first time, signaling robust buyer demand for AI technologies. The emergence of AEO, introduced in early 2025, highlights the growing interest and trust in software solutions powered by AI.

"G2's Reports serve as a consistent indicator of market dynamics and product performance," stated Godard Abel, CEO of G2. "This winter, we notice significant momentum not only in AI categories but also among leading software providers, as companies strive to keep pace with evolving buyer expectations. With these insights, customers are better equipped to navigate a rapidly changing landscape with confidence."

New Emerging Software Categories

The Winter 2026 Reports identified 16 fresh categories that achieved Grid® eligibility. Many of these categories are closely linked to the broader adoption of AI and business needs that emerge as enterprises evolve. Here are some noteworthy additions:

• - Answer Engine Optimization (AEO): Focuses on AI-driven search and discovery.
• - Food Traceability: Ensures transparency in food sourcing and safety.
• - AI Voice Assistants: Enhances interaction through voice recognition technologies.
• - Cannabis POS Systems: Provides specialized point-of-sale solutions for the cannabis industry.
• - AI IT Agents: Automates IT support tasks powered by AI.
• - Logistics Intelligence: Optimizes logistics operations with data analysis.
• - AI App Builder: Simplifies app creation through AI tools.

These categories represent a shift towards meeting emerging operational needs and addressing the complexities of modern business.

Fastest Growing Software Categories

The reports highlight that the fastest growth has been observed in categories heavily tied to AI workflows, automation, e-commerce, and compliance. Increased buyer interest spans emerging AI tools alongside traditional business systems. The top 10 fastest-growing categories identified by G2 include:

• - E-Commerce
• - Agentic AI
• - Governance, Risk, and Compliance
• - AI Agents
• - AI Content Creation Platforms
• - AI Agent Builders
• - Web Security
• - Lead Capture
• - AI Chatbots
• - SMS Marketing

These categories reflect a burgeoning demand from businesses seeking to leverage technology for competitive advantage.

Understanding G2 Reports

Each quarter, G2 aggregates data from authentic customer reviews and public market presence to compile these reports. For software solutions to qualify for G2 Grid® ratings, they must meet stringent data threshold criteria, including possessing a minimum of 10 verified reviews in their respective categories. The reports categorize products within the framework of Leaders, High Performers, Contenders, and Niche products. Notably, only 3% of the evaluated products received a Leader badge this quarter, demonstrating the competitive nature of the software market.

About G2

G2 stands as the leading software marketplace, drawing over 100 million users each year, including individuals working within Fortune 500 companies, to guide their software acquisition decisions based on reliable peer reviews. Thousands of companies collaborate with G2 to enhance their industry presence and expand their business, including renowned names such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoom, and Adobe. For further software insights, visit G2's official site and stay connected with them on LinkedIn to keep abreast of latest developments in the software landscape.