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The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has released the full list of 2026 round applications, revealing a record 1,615 new generic top‑level domain (gTLD) filings from 481 entities. The bulk of the demand comes from major technology firms seeking custom domain suffixes to reinforce brand presence, enhance security and signal trust. OpenAI, for example, submitted 15 strings including .chatgpt and .gpt, while Google entered more than 30 applications such as .api, .mcp and .agent.
A standout trend is the fierce contest for AI‑related extensions. Thirteen separate applicants are vying for .agent, and multiple bids target .agi, underscoring industry interest in domains that map directly to emerging artificial‑intelligence services. Geographic analysis shows North America and Europe together contributed roughly 85% of the submissions, with 864 and 506 applications respectively.
Why it matters: Custom gTLDs give companies tighter control over their online identities and can improve phishing resistance by providing recognizable, brand‑specific URLs. The surge in AI‑focused strings signals how integral machine‑learning platforms have become to the digital economy and foreshadows a new wave of domain‑based branding strategies.
What to watch next: After the two‑week Replacement Period (8‑21 Oct 2026), ICANN will publish the final string list on String Confirmation Day, 17 Nov 2026. The subsequent Community Input and Objections phase will shape which domains move forward, with the first uncontested launches not expected until late 2027 or early 2028. Stakeholders should monitor the contention‑set outcomes, especially around .agent and .agi, as they will set precedents for future AI‑related domain governance. [[1, 2]]