6G is the next-generation cellular technology that is expected to bring new level of wireless system performance and efficiency. It will be more than just a new radio technology. It is envisioned as a smart, wireless communication fabric that connects people and things, and is also a platform that can meet the challenge of enabling intelligent computing everywhere. Beyond enhanced communication capabilities, 6G will also fully unleash the synergistic potential of artificial intelligence (AI), integrated sensing, and more.

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The need for 6G stems from its role as a transformative wireless platform poised to foster innovations for 2030 and beyond. Not only will it unlock new spectrum for future use cases (e.g., AR at scale) and enhance the efficiency of existing bands, but 6G will also bring advanced system capabilities like wireless AI and integrated sensing. 6G will foster sustained innovations in devices, services, user experiences, and vertical applications. Ultimately, 6G is expected to drive significant growth and contribute to economic, societal, and environmental sustainability, marking a crucial evolution in global connectivity.

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6G technology is expected to become commercially available in 2029/2030, following the completion of global standardization efforts led by 3GPP, the international organization that has developed the 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile standards. Release 21, the first 3GPP 6G standard, is anticipated in 2029, and a global 6G network will only be possible after these standards are finalized.

In the meantime, as noted by Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon during the Snapdragon Summit, pre-commercial 6G devices could arrive as early as 2028, marking the start of real-world testing and early adoption phases of 6G wireless technology. Industry pioneers and academic experts are already deeply engaged in advanced research to make this vision a reality.

We envision a future where 6G redefines the boundaries of what's possible, driven by the user experiences and services. Not only will 6G enhance our everyday interactions with devices like smartphones, but it will also pioneer new, scalable ways of interacting with the world around us. By connecting an intelligent network of devices to the cloud, 6G will unlock the full potential of AI, making agentic AI a norm across a wide range of devices—from smartphones and watches to augmented reality glasses and beyond. Furthermore, the integration of sensing and communications in 6G wireless technology will give rise to entirely new use cases that are not possible today, revolutionizing how we live, work, and play.

AI will have an essential role in 6G technology, transforming network and device operations to achieve unparalleled performance and efficiency. We're pioneering an AI-native approach with 6G wireless technology, where AI is deeply embedded in both the design and operation of 6G networks and 6G devices from day one. This foundational integration enables continuous performance optimization, intelligent resource management, and the delivery of innovative user experiences and services. By harnessing AI, 6G will unlock advanced applications at scale, such as autonomous systems and immersive Extended Reality (XR), setting a new standard for wireless technology.

To reach 6G, advanced research is currently underway, exploring technology areas such as an AI-native system design, integrated sensing, new spectrum, more capable air interface, and more. The process to deliver on a global technology standard is also moving forward as planned. To validate our 6G system design, we are also building end-to-end system prototypes as well as planning for extensive testing, which is crucial to ensure seamless interoperability worldwide. We are also learning from the previous 4G to 5G transition to make sure the 6G migration is seamless and efficient. By 2029/2030, these collaborative efforts are expected to culminate in the availability of commercial 6G networks, devices, and services on a global scale.

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In addition to enhancing spectral efficiency in existing bands (e.g., low, mid, mmWave), 6G is also expected to support new spectrum bands such as the upper midband in 7-15 GHz range and sub-THz frequencies in 100+ GHz. Today, regulators around the world are identifying and preparing new spectrum bands for 6G deployments, starting in 2029/2030. For instance, the U.S. is studying the 7.125-8.4 GHz band and other mid-band frequencies for 6G deployments. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will play a crucial role in global spectrum harmonization, which will help to reduce equipment costs and improve performance to address the anticipated exponential surge in wireless traffic.

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While 6G vs 5G is often discussed in terms of throughput and latency, the real benefits of 6G go beyond speeds and feeds. 6G is expected to operate in all frequency ranges. The 6G system will bring significant spectral efficiency enhancements to existing FDD and TDD bands under 7 GHz, targeting improvements of over 50%+. New 6G spectrum will further increase available bandwidth such as the upper midband (7-15 GHz) for new wide-area capacity and sub-terahertz spectrum (100 GHz+) for short-range point-to-point communications. Together, these bands introduce new opportunities to deliver enhanced coverage, cost, and energy efficiency.

Like every generational transition, 6G will build upon the robust technology and coverage foundation of 5G, ensuring that 5G remains integral to the wireless ecosystem even as 6G becomes commercially available. Our vision includes devices seamlessly connecting to both 5G and 6G simultaneously through a 'dual stack' architecture, delivering optimal user experiences. Technologically, the evolution to 5G Advanced acts as a bridge to 6G, with many 6G enhancements expected to also enrich existing 5G deployments.