--- markdown_generated_at: "2026-10-14" title: "Leading the 5G advanced technology evolution" url: "https://www.qualcomm.com/research/5g" description: "Leading the world in 5G wireless technology, Qualcomm is collaborating with industry leaders to create the next global wireless standard." canonicalUrl: "https://www.qualcomm.com/research/5g" --- # Leading the 5G advanced technology evolution ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/5g-hero-test?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85) [Explore our 5G timeline](https://www.qualcomm.com/research/5g/5g-timeline) [Economic impact of 5g](https://www.qualcomm.com/5g/the-5g-economy) The company that led the world to 3G, 4G, and 5G, is now driving the technology evolution towards 5G Advanced in Release 18 and beyond. It is the second wave of 5G innovations that will unleash the full potential of 5G, and it will establish the technical foundation of what’s to come next. 5G Advanced will also support new devices, services, spectrum and deployments. ## Advancing wireless technologies to deliver on the full promise of 5G The 5G evolution continues with 5G Advanced in Release 18 and beyond. Learn more about each of the 5G Advanced releases here. [Download the 5G-A Rel-18 Presentation](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/a-closer-look-at-5g-advanced-release-18-web.pdf) [Download the 5G-A Rel-19 Presentation](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/5G-A-Rel-19-Presentation.pdf) [Download the 5G-A Rel-20 Presentation](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/3GPP-Release-20.pdf) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/advancing?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/diagram-6?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ## Accelerating the expansion of the connected intelligent edge To efficiently scale our 5G networks to connect more devices than ever before, a new distributed intelligence paradigm is required. The connected intelligent edge can deliver benefits such as lower latency and better privacy. At the same time, the advancements of 5G and AI are complementary and synergistic, mutually benefitting each other in terms of performance and efficiency. AI will have an essential role in the 5G future. [Learn more about AI leadership](https://www.qualcomm.com/research/artificial-intelligence) [Download the connected intelligent edge presentation](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/Transforming-the-connected-intelligent-edge.pdf) [Download the 5G + AI presentation](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/Towards-an-AI-native-communications-system-design.pdf) ## Elevating 5G experiences with the world’s most advanced modem-RF solution The Qualcomm X85 5G Modem-RF is the leading 5G platform, leveraging integrated AI for unrivaled performance, efficiency, speeds, and spectrum flexibility. It can accelerate 5G Advanced adoption across a broad set of product segments. [Learn more about Qualcomm X85 Modem-RF](https://www.qualcomm.com/modems/products/snapdragon-x70-modem-rf-system) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/image1-9?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha&wid=700) ## The R&D engine fueling the 5G industry At Qualcomm, we have been developing 5G for years — inventing new 5G technologies that are pushing, and often redefining, the boundaries of wireless. These system-level inventions are driving the global 5G standard through our fundamental contributions to 3GPP. And we are collaborating with the mobile ecosystem to make these 5G technologies a commercial reality. [Download the Demystify 3GPP Presentation](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/powerpoint_messaging_-_demystifying_3gpp.pdf) [Learn about the Role of Technology Standards](https://www.qualcomm.com/research/standards) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/image2-7?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha&wid=700) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/5g-Image?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85) ## Leading the technology evolution to 6G ### The next-generation mobile platform is targeted to bring a large technology leap for 2030 and beyond. 6G will be more than a new radio design, it is envisioned to be an innovation platform of synergistic technologies, including AI, sensing, and more, which will enable sustained expansion of the connected intelligent edge. At Qualcomm, we are driving longer-term research to lead the 5G Advanced evolution and establish the technical foundation for 6G. [Learn more about 6G](https://www.qualcomm.com/research/6g) OnQ Blog [3GPP Release 20: Completing the 5G Advanced evolution and preparing for global 6G standardization](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2025/06/3gpp-release-20-completing-5g-advanced-evolution-preparing-for-global-6g-standardization) Jun 25, 2025 | 8 min read Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [6G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=6G) [Research](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Research) ## Learn more about 5G with these resources - OnQ Blog: [Reimagining Fixed Wireless Access: Qualcomm Dragonwing FWA Gen 6 Elite Platform](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2026/10/dragonwing-fwa-gen-6-fixed-wireless-access-platform) — Oct 12, 2026 | 4 min read. Tags: [Dragonwing](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Dragonwing) [Fixed Wireless Access](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Fixed%20Wireless%20Access) [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) - OnQ Blog: [Who owns 6G IP: The enduring value of foundational wireless innovation](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2026/09/6g-ip-foundational-wireless-innovation) — Sep 10, 2026 | 3 min read. Tags: [6G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=6G) [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [Inventor](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Inventor) - OnQ Blog: [Why standards-based 5G NR NTN is the future of satellite connectivity](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2026/06/x105-5g-nr-ntn-satellite) — Jun 10, 2026 | 6 min read. Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [Modems](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Modems) [RF](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=RF) - OnQ Blog: [Introducing the Qualcomm Dragonwing Mobile Broadband Multimedia (MBM) family: The future of interactive broadband](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2026/05/qualcomm-dragonwing-mbm-family-announcement) — May 20, 2026 | 2 min read. Tags: [Dragonwing](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Dragonwing) [Broadband](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Broadband) [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) - OnQ Blog: [Modernizing RF exposure management](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2026/03/modernizing-rf-exposure-management-smart-transmit-tas) — Mar 24, 2026 | 3 min read. Tags: [RF](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=RF) [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) - OnQ Blog: [Unlocking innovations for global impact: The power of technology standardization](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2025/11/innovations-for-global-impact-power-of-technology-standardization) — Nov 10, 2025 | 4 min read. Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [6G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=6G) [Wi-Fi](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Wi-Fi) - OnQ Blog: [Unlock the power of 5G: Maximize dual-data experience with Qualcomm Turbo DSDA technology](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2025/09/unlock-the-power-of-5g-maximize-dual-data-experience-qualcomm-turbo-dsda) — Sep 4, 2025 | 3 min read. Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [Modems](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Modems) - OnQ Blog: [The AI evolution: Transforming how we connect through 5G and Wi-Fi](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2025/08/the-ai-evolution-transforming-how-we-connect-through-5g-and-wi-fi) — Aug 11, 2025 | 5 min read. Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [Wi-Fi](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Wi-Fi) [AI](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=AI) - OnQ Blog: [AI-enhanced antenna management with 6 antennas for smartphones](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2025/06/ai-enhanced-antenna-management-with-6-antennas-for-smartphones) — Jun 26, 2025 | 3 min read. Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [AI](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=AI) [Connectivity](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Connectivity) - OnQ Blog: [3GPP Release 20: Completing the 5G Advanced evolution and preparing for global 6G standardization](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2025/06/3gpp-release-20-completing-5g-advanced-evolution-preparing-for-global-6g-standardization) — Jun 25, 2025 | 8 min read. Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [6G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=6G) [Research](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Research) - OnQ Blog: [Intelligence everywhere: How Particle created the equivalent of a Raspberry Pi powered by Qualcomm Dragonwing](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2025/04/how-particle-created-equivalent-of-raspberry-pi-powered-by-qualcomm-dragonwing) — Apr 14, 2025 | 4 min read. Tags: [IoT](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=IoT) [Connectivity](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Connectivity) [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) - OnQ Blog: [MWC Barcelona 2025: Technologies advancing us to the next era of wireless connectivity](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2025/02/mwc-barcelona-2025-tech-advancing-us-to-next-era-of-wireless-connectivity) — Feb 26, 2025 | 6 min read. Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [6G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=6G) [MWC](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=MWC) - OnQ Blog: [Demonstrating the value of interoperable multi-vendor AI in wireless networks](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2025/02/demonstrating-value-of-interoperable-multi-vendor-ai-in-wireless-networks) — Feb 26, 2025 | 3 min read. Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [Modems](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Modems) [RF](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=RF) - OnQ Blog: [How Qualcomm and Saudi Arabia are pushing the boundaries of AI and 5G innovation](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2025/02/how-qualcomm-and-saudi-arabia-are-pushing-the-boundaries-of-ai-and-5g-innovation) — Feb 9, 2025 | 4 min read. Tags: [Company](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Company) [AI](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=AI) [Industrial IoT](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Industrial%20IoT) - OnQ Blog: [Bridging theory and practice in 5G and 6G technologies: Meet Amira Alloum](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2025/01/bridging-theory-and-practice-in-5G-and-6G-tech-meet-amira-alloum) — Jan 16, 2025 | 4 min read. Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [6G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=6G) [Inventor](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Inventor) - OnQ Blog: [Inside track: How Qualcomm Technologies helped Viettel score a big networking first with O-RAN](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/12/inside-track-how-qualcomm-technologies-helped-viettel-score-networking-first-with-O-RAN) — Dec 17, 2024 | 4 min read. Tags: [Open RAN](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Open%20RAN) [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) - OnQ Blog: [Innovating the next generation of wireless systems: Meet Prashanth Hande](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/12/innovating-the-next-generation-of-wireless-systems-meet-prashanth-hande) — Dec 16, 2024 | 4 min read. Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [XR](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=XR) [Inventor](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Inventor) - OnQ Blog: [From Necklaces to Networks: Meet Diana Maamari](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/08/from-necklaces-to-networks-meet-diana-maamari) — Aug 28, 2024 | 4 min read. Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [XR](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=XR) [6G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=6G) - OnQ Blog: [Accelerating open and virtualized networks: How Fujitsu enhances scalability, energy efficiency and performance for mobile network operators](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/08/accelerating-open-and-virtualized-networks-how-fujitsu-enhances-mobile-network-operators) — Aug 12, 2024 | 4 min read. Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [Networking](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Networking) [Company](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Company) - OnQ Blog: [Pioneering 5G innovations at Mobile World Congress Shanghai 2024](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/06/pioneering-5g-innovations-at-mobile-world-congress-shanghai-2024) — Jun 26, 2024 | 3 min read. Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) [AI](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=AI) [Connectivity](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Connectivity) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/licensing-footer?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/newsletter-icon?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ## Stay informed with our “What's Next in Wireless Tech” newsletter. The research behind the future of wireless technologies - 5G Advanced, 6G, wireless AI, automotive, XR, and more. [Sign up](https://assets.qualcomm.com/subscription-center-sign-up.html) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/icn-message-circle-question?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ## Got more questions about 5G? Here is where you find 5G technology explained—how 5G works and why 5G is important. [See the 5G FAQs](https://www.qualcomm.com/5g/what-is-5g)