Bitcoin traded between $76,200 and $82,100 over the past week, prompting researchers to survey 11 artificial intelligence models for their year-end 2026 price forecasts. The results revealed a median prediction of $96,500, representing roughly a 21% increase from current levels.
The AI models queried included Claude Sonnet 5, Grok, Qwen 3.7+, ChatGPT Sol Instant, Pi AI, Mistral AI Vibe, Deepseek Deepthink, Gemini Pro, Venice AI, Claude Opus 5, and Microsoft Copilot. Predictions ranged from a low of $84,500 to a high of $105,480.
Individual Forecasts
Claude Opus 5 offered the most conservative estimate at $84,500, citing near-term macro headwinds and technical resistance levels. Deepseek Deepthink provided the most bullish call at $105,480. Other notable predictions included Claude Sonnet 5 at $98,500, Qwen 3.7+ at $98,500, ChatGPT Sol Instant at $96,500, Pi AI at $98,000, Gemini Pro at $88,500, and Venice AI at $94,500.
Shift from May Predictions
When the same models were queried in May, their average forecast was $102,305, with many predictions clustered around six figures. The current round of predictions represents a notably more conservative outlook. Notably, Deepseek's May forecast of $84,500 was the most bearish in that earlier batch, while its current prediction of $105,480 is now the most bullish.
Industry Commentary
Beyond AI predictions, Wall Street research firm Bernstein has suggested that six-digit bitcoin prices could materialize this year. Brian Vieten, senior portfolio manager at Siebert Financial, told Bitcoin.com News he believes bitcoin could reach $175,000 next year, citing the GENIUS Act implementation as a potential adoption catalyst.
Bitcoin price predictions have a mixed historical record. Researchers note that bitcoin has frequently made even sophisticated forecasts appear inaccurate, suggesting all predictions warrant considerable skepticism.
