Qualcomm: AI to Be the Next Core, 6G Pre-Commercial Devices Expected by 2028
At the recent Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon unveiled the company's future roadmap, emphasizing the integration of AI and the upcoming 6G technology.
Amon described AI as the "new user operating system," predicting that it will be as ubiquitous as a smartphone OS, providing instant feedback for any user action. He also highlighted that AI will continue to evolve in the 6G era. Qualcomm expects 6G pre-commercial devices to debut as early as 2028, featuring higher bandwidth, faster speeds, and enhanced data perception compared to 5G.
Qualcomm is deeply integrating AI into the 6G system to enable an AI-native 6G design. This goes beyond merely using AI to boost terminal and network performance; it involves embedding AI directly into the air interface design to fundamentally support operators in launching new services for an AI-connected future.
During the 3GPP 6G standard workshop in April, Qualcomm discussed various aspects, including application scenarios, system design priorities, and principles. At that time, the company projected that 6G networks and terminals would likely be commercially available by 2030.
Qualcomm envisions 6G as a platform for new services and use cases beyond communication, such as integrated sensing and communication, immersive XR, and AI-based services and computing. This will empower operators to better monetize their network capabilities and support diverse applications across industries, fully unlocking the potential of wireless technology.
Key benefits of 6G include:
- AI and Automation: AI-native network design will improve network management and resource allocation efficiency.
- System Efficiency: New system functions enabled by network design and AI-driven energy management will reduce power consumption.
- Efficient Frequency Usage: Enhanced flexibility for existing low-frequency bands (e.g., FDD), opening new spectrum bands, and supporting dynamic sharing.
- Universal Coverage: Seamless integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) to provide global, high-reliability services.
- Reduced TCO: Simplified network operations and improved energy efficiency will optimize CAPEX and OPEX.
- Enhanced Service Reliability and Customer Experience: High-quality services across different terminals and network conditions.
- Network Simplification: Reduced architectural complexity to meet use case requirements more efficiently.
Qualcomm's vision for the future is clear: AI and 6G will work together to transform how we interact with technology, promising a more intelligent and connected world.
