Bitcoin hash rate rebounds to near record despite miners shifting to AI

Bitcoin's hash rate has climbed to within 6.5% of its all-time high, according to Glassnode data, despite several large public miners redirecting power to artificial intelligence clients. The metric rebounded sharply after a 22% decline from late 2025 to February 2026, with private and international operators filling the gap left by the AI pivot. The network's difficulty is projected to rise 5% to 6% on October 29, which would bring it to its highest level since late 2025.