The AI market in Oceania is evolving rapidly. While exact 2026 data isn’t yet available, current adoption trends and expansion announcements point to these ten platforms leading the region.
🏆 The Market Leaders
1. ChatGPT (OpenAI)
As of early 2026, ChatGPT remains the dominant AI chatbot in Australia, with 45–49% of Australians having used a generative AI tool in the past year. In New Zealand, it holds 85.53% of mobile AI traffic and 76.47% of desktop traffic. Its first‑mover advantage and deep app integration drive this lead.
2. Google Gemini
Gemini is the fastest‑growing challenger, integrated into Google Search, Gmail, and YouTube. Its global market share is estimated at 14–21%, and it commands 8.4% of New Zealand’s desktop AI market.
3. Microsoft Copilot
Deeply embedded in Windows, Office 365, and Bing, Copilot is a natural choice for Australian enterprises, holding a 7% share of NZ’s desktop AI traffic.
4. Claude (Anthropic)
Claude’s safety‑focused design resonates with professionals. Australia and New Zealand rank 4th and 8th globally in per‑capita Claude usage. Anthropic opened a Sydney office in 2025.
5. Grok (xAI)
Integrated with X (Twitter), Grok appeals to users seeking real‑time social‑media insights. It has grown quickly among younger demographics in English‑speaking markets like Australia.
6. Perplexity AI
Valued by researchers and analysts for its real‑time web search and transparent citations, Perplexity is a go‑to for fact‑checked, source‑linked answers.
🏢 Enterprise & Specialized Platforms
7. Kereru.ai (NZ Sovereign Platform)
Formed in early 2026, the New Zealand consortium Kereru.ai (with Australian SCX.ai) launched “Project Kererū” – a sovereign LLM trained on local data and Māori terminology. The platform went live in Q1 2026.
8. Glean (Work AI Platform)
Glean’s enterprise AI assistant connects to company data. Its regional customer base grew over 60% in the past year, leading to a local Australian expansion.
9. Heidi Health (AI Healthtech)
This Australian startup pivoted to AI‑generated clinical note‑taking. Its AI scribe is now used by solo practitioners and large hospital networks across Oceania.
10. Pacific Research Hub
Launched in February 2026, this is the first AI‑powered research platform for the Pacific. It helps researchers discover Pacific‑focused studies, find collaborators, and access local knowledge.
💡 Key Market Trends
- Data Sovereignty: Platforms like Kereru.ai and private AI clouds keep data within national boundaries.
- Sovereign AI: New Zealand’s strategy focuses on AI that aligns with local culture, language, and law.
- Enterprise Integration: Businesses are moving from pilots to embedded AI, favoring platforms like Glean and Microsoft Copilot.
- Specialized Models: Smaller, fine‑tuned models on proprietary data offer cost and privacy benefits.
💎 Summary Table
| Platform | Primary Function / Key Strength |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT (OpenAI) | General‑purpose AI & market leader |
| Google Gemini | Ecosystem integration, fastest growing |
| Microsoft Copilot | Enterprise & workplace integration |
| Claude (Anthropic) | Professional & enterprise safety focus |
| Grok (xAI) | Real‑time social media integration |
| Perplexity AI | Research & source transparency |
| Kereru.ai | New Zealand sovereign AI & data control |
| Glean | Enterprise work AI & data connectivity |
| Heidi Health | AI clinical note‑taking (healthtech) |
| Pacific Research Hub | AI‑powered Pacific research discovery |
