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It is an immutable rule of the tech world that once something becomes widely used, better technology will come along. In the mobile space, 5G is just coming of age, but the companies that power telecom providers are already laying the groundwork for 6G communications.
That might seem ridiculously early, especially since 5G really hasn’t hit its full stride yet, but it’s actually right on time. The first 3G networks appeared in 2001—and while those speeds seem almost archaic to us today, they were lightning fast at the turn of the century. By 2009, 4G made its debut, and telecom companies began switching over to that. 5G entered the scene at the end of 2018.
To be clear, there’s no need to look for a 6G phone now. You won’t find one. In fact, it will be another three years before the earliest next-generation mobile technology is even ready, according to Qualcomm chief executive Cristiano Amon.
Speaking at the company’s Snapdragon Summit, Amon put a timeline on 6G, predicting the technology will offer faster internet speeds and integration with the artificial intelligence of the late 2020s and 2030s. 6G, he said, will force researchers to shift their architecture framework, requiring new memory systems and advanced neural processing units to handle the AI workload.
Even with its expected 2028 debut, 6G as a standard is a good way away. Amon said that year is when he expects the first “pre-commercial devices” to roll out, meaning it could be 2030 or so before telecom companies begin pushing 6G to customers.
Don’t expect 6G to just be about phones. In fact, as Amon sees it, the smartphone will act more as a hub serving other technology. Devices like smartwatches and smart glasses are expected to evolve, working with the phone to do everything from handle apps like your calendar and paying your bills to offering live-time information as you walk about. Cars will use the technology as well, supplementing the processing power on your phone.
“The amount of data will dwarf the existence of models,” Amon said.
It’s worth noting that Qualcomm has a vested interest in the success of these connected products. The company’s chips currently power Android smartphones, Google’s Pixel Watch 4, Meta’s Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, and Xreal’s upcoming “Project Aura,” another line of smart glasses.
The big X factor when it comes to 6G and its integration with AI is the consumer. While AI usage continues to rise, many people still believe the technology is not dependable. A KPMG survey earlier this year found that 66 percent of people regularly use AI, but only 46 percent of people overall were willing to trust AI systems.
A separate report from Pew Research found that adults in the U.S. were pessimistic about AI’s impact on users. Some 52 percent said they thought AI would worsen creativity, and nearly as many thought it would worsen people’s ability to form relationships.
While 6G is still several years away, Qualcomm’s not the only company talking about it. Earlier this month, Verizon hosted the 6G Innovation Forum, bringing together companies like Meta, Samsung, Ericsson and more to identify new use cases for the technology, as well as new devices and network technology.
“5G Advanced lays the foundation for the 6G future – whether that’s new wearables, AI experiences, or entirely new use cases we haven’t even thought of yet, and that’s what excites me the most,” said Joe Russo, EVP & president of global networks and technology at Verizon in a statement.
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Chris Morris
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