--- markdown_generated_at: "2026-10-14" title: "Leading the technology revolution to 6G" url: "https://www.qualcomm.com/research/6g" --- # Leading the technology revolution to 6G ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/radial-header-2000-1?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85) - [6G FAQs](https://www.qualcomm.com/research/6g/faqs) - [6G Air interface](https://www.qualcomm.com/research/6g/air-interface) - [System architecture](https://www.qualcomm.com/research/6g/system-architecture) ## What is 6G? 6G will be a transformative force in mobile communications, offering significant enhancements over 5G and generations before it. The 6G technology standard is expected to be finalized and ready for commercial adoption starting in 2029/2030 yet work to establish its technical foundation has been underway for some time. 6G will be more than just a new radio design – it is envisioned to integrate advanced capabilities including AI, sensing, digital twinning, and a variety of new system features enabling higher levels of efficiency and performance. 6G will be the innovation platform for an expansive intelligent edge in the decades to come. To learn more, explore our vision for the next-generation wireless system. Designing 6G - [Webinar](https://players.brightcove.net/1414329538001/4JiZQnWhg_default/index.html?videoId=6385025549112) - [Presentation](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/Enabling-scalable-mobile-connectivity-for-our-AI-driven-future.pdf) Our Early 6G Vision - [Whitepaper](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/Qualcomm-Whitepaper-Vision-market-drivers-and-research-directions-on-the-path-to-6G.pdf) - [Presentation](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/web-why-and-what-you-need-to-know-about-6G-in-2022.pdf) ## Watch the 6G Leadership Day Sessions Discover key presentations and discussions from 6G Leadership Day, highlighting Qualcomm's vision for an AI-native 6G future. ### 6G for an AI future - Durga Malladi 16:17 ![6G for an AI future - Durga Malladi](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/6G%20Leadership%20Day%20keynote-Durga%20Malladi-AVS?req=tmb&wid=640) ### Enabling 6G leadership through advanced R&D - John Smee 15:44 ![Enabling 6G leadership through advanced R&D - John Smee](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Enabling%206G%20leadership%20through%20advanced%20RnD-John%20Smee-AVS?req=tmb&wid=640) ### Shaping the AI-native user experience with 6G - Hemanth Sampath 18:25 ![Shaping the AI-native user experience with 6G - Hemanth Sampath](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Shaping%20the%20AI-native%20UX%20with%206G-Hemanth%20Sampath-AVS?req=tmb&wid=640) OnQ Blog [Building the 6G standard: What 3GPP’s June 2026 plenary decisions mean for device makers](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2026/06/6g-standardization-release-21-milestones) Jun 29, 2026 | 8 min read [6G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=6G) [Spectrum](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Spectrum) [Wireless Networks](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Wireless%20Networks) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/use-cases-gird?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85) ## What new use cases will 6G bring? 6G will enable new classes of devices, services, and deployments. Enabling intelligent computing everywhere, 6G will expand fixed and mobile broadband networks towards pervasive access, spatial perception, and real-time control, bringing a wide range of new use cases such as hologram telepresence, collaborative robots, human augmentation, and deeper immersion to the digital and virtual worlds. - [Read more about new 6G user experiences and services](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2025/09/empowering-ai-user-experiences-with-6g) - [Read what was discussed at the 3GPP 6G use case workshop](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/06/path-to-6g-envisioning-next-gen-use-cases-for-2030-and-beyond) ## How we get to 6G? The journey to 6G is filled with opportunities to solve complex technical and user challenges. At Qualcomm, we are excited to lead this journey, developing essential technologies that will lay the groundwork for a more connected and intelligent future. Learn more about our work on [6G architecture](https://www.qualcomm.com/research/6g/system-architecture). Like generations before it, 6G will be based on a global standard that is being developed by 3GPP. 6G’s standardization effort includes a Study Item phase in 3GPP Release 20 and a Work Item phase in Release 21. We expect to complete the first 6G standards in 2029/2030. Spectrum is the lifeblood of wireless communications, and the global mobile ecosystem and regulators are working together to identify potential spectrum bands for 6G. This is being done at the country and regional level but also on a global scale, as spectrum harmonization brings immense benefits. To learn more, check out the [latest update from WRC-23.](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/03/a-leap-towards-6g-spectrum-allocation-and-its-global-impact) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/6g-timeline-1441?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/dual-imagery-6g-hub-2000?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85) ## What are the enabling technologies for 6G? ### Investing in the future of cellular At Qualcomm, we have been working on advanced wireless research for the past four decades. While we strongly believe in technology innovations coming in continuous streams, the 10-year cellular cycle presents unique opportunities for the entire industry to align investments to bring forward transformational upgrades to the mainstream. ### Beyond 5G: 6G research We began advancing our research towards 6G many years ago. This work, we call it the “6G Foundry”, covers essential innovation areas across the entire wireless system. This includes key areas of our 6G research in air interface design, scalable network architecture, AI-native system design, and a wide range of technologies that can enable the merging of the physical, digital, and virtual worlds. ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/6g-icon?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ### AI-Native Networks and Devices From its inception, 6G is envisioned to leverage AI in every aspect of its system design, from network planning and operation optimization to spectrum management and device experience. [Learn more](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2023/07/wireless-ai-igniting-the-5g-advanced-technology-revolution) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/advanced-spectrum-utilization-icon?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ### Advanced Spectrum Utilization To meet growing demand, 6G is expected to support new spectrum (e.g., upper mid-band in 7-16 GHz and sub-terahertz in 100+ GHz). Spectrum sharing will also play an important role to enable new efficiencies. [Learn more](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/12/6g-technology-and-spectrum-needs-unlocking-next-gen-wireless-connectivity) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/next-generation-air-interface-icon?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ### Next-generation Air Interface 6G presents an opportunity to introduce a new and more capable air interface. This includes next-gen waveforms, multiple access and channel coding, as well as major advancements in MIMO, duplexing design and more. [Learn more](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWvJ0WOniNM&list=PLADNcabi-P9Zep9qIYsBXzie0LX8zZfuE) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/network-icon-1?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ### Scalable Network Architecture 6G aims to introduce a more flexible network architecture. This includes advancements in network disaggregation and the use of cloud-native technologies, as well as a thin control plane design for reduced system complexity. [Learn more](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/03/6g-foundry-rethinking-the-control-plane) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/interated-sensing-and-communications-icon?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ### Integrated Sensing and Communications This revolutionary aspect of the 6G system can enable the detection of objects, motions, and even gestures without requiring active electronics on the target. It opens doors to a wide range of new use cases across verticals. [Learn more](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/09/when-wireless-sensing-meets-communications-what-new-efficiencies-and-experiences-can-you-expect-in-the-6g-era) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/digital-twin-network-icon?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ### Digital Twin Network By creating virtual replicas of the physical network, the digital twin can be used to optimize performance (i.e., coverage, capacity) of the network as well as to synthesize data for wireless AI model training. [Learn more](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/12/6g-foundry-could-digital-twins-unlock-new-value-for-network-operators) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/sustainable-system-design-icon?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ### Sustainable System Design 6G is being engineered to minimize the environmental footprint of wireless networks. This also leads to a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) and fosters a greener, seamlessly connected world. [Learn more](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2023/11/how-wireless-innovations-foster-greener-more-sustainable-future) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/seamless-satellite-integration-icon?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ### Seamless Satellite Integration From day 1, 6G is expected to integrate terrestrial network (TN) and non-terrestrial network (NTN), establishing a robust, unified wireless infrastructure that ensures seamless connectivity across various environments. [Learn more](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2023/09/5g-from-space-the-final-frontier-for-global-connectivity) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/resilient-communication-icon?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ### Resilient Communication 6G will include the development of new technologies to ensure more reliable connections across a wider range of scenarios, including enhanced mobility and interference management. [Learn more](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2023/01/how-5g-is-enabling-resilient-communication-for-the-connected-intelligent-edge) ## Learn more about 6G with these resources 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 [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 [Foundational innovations shaping 6G: MIMO](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2026/08/6g-mimo-foundational-innovations) Aug 28, 2026 | 9 min read [6G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=6G) [Spectrum](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Spectrum) OnQ Blog [Building the 6G standard: What 3GPP’s June 2026 plenary decisions mean for device makers](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2026/06/6g-standardization-release-21-milestones) Jun 29, 2026 | 8 min read [6G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=6G) [Spectrum](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Spectrum) [Wireless Networks](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Wireless%20Networks) OnQ Blog [6G Foundry: Rewriting the mobile playbook for the AI era](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2026/05/6g-foundry-ai-native-platform) May 28, 2026 | 9 min read [6G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=6G) [AI](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=AI) OnQ Blog [250 years of American innovation: From founding principles to 6G leadership](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2026/05/american-innovation-6g-ai-native-leadership) May 4, 2026 | 5 min read [6G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=6G) [AI](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=AI) [Wireless Networks](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Wireless%20Networks) OnQ Blog [Qualcomm accelerates 6G trajectory to drive device-to-data-center transformation for leading network providers](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2026/03/qualcomm-6g-device-to-data-center-transformation) Mar 2, 2026 | 3 min read [6G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=6G) [AI](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=AI) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/dark-blue-newsletter?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85&wid=1800&fit=fit,1) ![](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/images/company/company/research/6g/icn-mail.png) ### Keep up to date Sign up for the wireless technologies e-newsletter [Sign up](https://assets.qualcomm.com/wireless-technology-newsletter-sign-up.html) ![](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/images/company/company/research/6g/icn-message-circle-question.png) ### Have Questions? Check out our 6G FAQ page [Learn more](https://www.qualcomm.com/research/6g/faqs)