China is setting its sights on the future of wireless technology, aiming to commercialize 6G by 2030. Experts predict this next-generation network will revolutionize how we interact with our devices and could usher in a new era of innovation.
Speaking at the Global 6G Conference 2025, Wu Hequan, an academic at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, shared his vision of smartphones evolving into artificial intelligence (AI) terminals. “With the rise of AI, we may see new types of devices emerge in the 6G era,” Wu said. “This will significantly enhance users’ ability to create content and fuel a new wave of information consumption.”
From 5G to 6G: A Fundamental Transformation
According to Wu, the leap from 5G to 6G represents a fundamental shift in communication technologies. While earlier generations from 1G to 4G focused on improving voice and data services for consumers, 5G expanded the horizon by supporting a broad range of industries. However, industrial applications have progressed more slowly than expected.
“6G still needs to prioritize mass-market consumer applications,” Wu emphasized. “There’s uncertainty in how consumer applications will evolve, but the potential is immense.”
Beyond Faster Speeds: The Real Promise of 6G
Yu Xiaohu, an academic at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and director of Purple Mountain Laboratories, believes 6G is about more than just speed. “6G will bring breakthroughs in integrated sensing and low-altitude communications,” Yu said. “It’s about creating a powerful technological toolbox that combines communications, computing, AI, and industrial control.”
Yu envisions a future where data, AI, and business operations are tightly intertwined. “This super-converged system could overcome many limitations that 5G faces in industrial settings,” he noted.
A Glimpse into the Future
With China targeting 2030 for its 6G rollout, the possibilities are exciting. The integration of AI and 6G could transform our smartphones into smarter, more capable devices than ever before. “It’s similar to how the iPhone transformed mobile phones in 2007,” Wu said. “We’re on the cusp of the next evolution of mobile devices.”
Global 6G Conference 2025
The Global 6G Conference 2025 is taking place from April 10 to 12 in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. Under the theme “Frontier Innovation Driving 6G Development,” the event focuses on building a global consensus on 6G vision and standardization.
