In 2025, the tech industry acknowledged that AI serves as an amplifier for human-led software development teams, rather than a replacement for human talent. Over the past year, the landscape of developer experience (DevEx) has increasingly centered around the intersection of platform engineering and AI, which are becoming intertwined. Organizations that strategically approach the adoption of these trends are better positioned for success, as those that embrace AI enablement through a platform strategy will distinguish themselves in the upcoming year.
Platform engineering refers to the establishment of an internal platform that simplifies routine tasks such as cloud deployment and inter-team service requests. Conversations with experts revealed that many organizations are currently at the “operational” maturity level, which indicates standardized tooling is monitored by a dedicated DevEx team. A notable portion of companies has reached the final optimization stage, characterized by integrated services and a “Platform as a Product” mindset. For example, Etiq AI, a small startup, is still using provisional processes, a phase typical for organizations in their infancy.
Insights from industry leaders suggest that platform engineering is poised to leave behind a phase of disillusionment, driven by the necessity of AI adoption to establish internal developer portals and frameworks that safeguard accelerated workflows. Dave Bresci, a senior manager at PagerDuty, emphasized how Backstage and Spotify Portal have been pivotal in enabling efficient paths and centralizing technical documentation. He noted that AI coding assistants have significantly improved experimentation and coding productivity within their development teams.
More than half of the industry professionals consulted reported utilizing a combination of developer surveys and qualitative data, alongside the core DORA metrics for tracking throughput and stability. Approximately one-third stated they have adopted the SPACE framework or the DX Core 4 metrics to assess productivity.
Some teams have already reaped substantial gains from AI integration. Subho Halder, CEO of Appknox, reported that practical AI tools have not only accelerated their processes but also made work feel less burdensome. “Claude and ChatGPT help our engineers think faster,” he stated, highlighting their commitment to investing in AI tools that comply with high privacy standards. Similarly, Spotify’s chief architect Niklas Gustavsson articulated how AI coding tools, such as Claude Code and GitHub Copilot, are actively employed by 90% of their development staff.
Gustavsson pointed out that their AI agents, acting as intelligent assistants, have generated over 1,500 merged pull requests, achieving time savings of up to 90% in larger projects. His team has developed a robust internal framework to streamline these processes, enabling seamless updates without disrupting workflow. This proactive use of AI is reflected in the findings of the latest DORA Report, which indicates that AI has transformed individual developer productivity.
Looking ahead, tech leaders express optimism about the future of AI in development. By 2026, predictions suggest a shift towards agentic AI capable of cross-organizational collaboration, albeit conducted cautiously. Max Marcon from MongoDB noted that while organizations currently focus on foundational tasks, the future may hold true advancements in agentic memory, leading to more autonomous decision-making by AI systems.
Despite the excitement surrounding AI, the success of its adoption will hinge on effective communication and leadership within organizations. Helen Greul, vice president of engineering at Multiverse.io, asserted that calm and clarity from leadership will be paramount as technology continues to evolve. A recent white paper emphasized that leadership commitment to AI adoption is crucial; merely acquiring tools does not guarantee their effective use. Molly Clarke, platform engineering lead at easyJet, echoed this sentiment, advocating for a user-centric approach to AI deployment.
As organizations navigate the complexities of AI integration, prioritizing developer experience will be essential. Understanding the specific needs of developers will facilitate a culture of innovation and experimentation. Greul remarked on the potential for small teams to achieve remarkable feats, ushering in a new era of creativity and opportunity within the technology sector.
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