Qualcomm targets 2029 for AI-native 6G commercial rollout

Qualcomm has announced plans to target 2029 for the first commercial rollout of 6G networks, emphasizing an AI-native approach. Unlike current mobile generations, Qualcomm intends for artificial intelligence to be integrated into the core system of 6G to manage network resources, stabilize connections, and optimize data movement between devices.

In collaboration with China Mobile, the company has already conducted testing on 6G prototypes to transition research into functional network technology. Technical demonstrations from Qualcomm’s 6G Leadership Day included working Giga-MIMO prototypes, a 400 MHz 6G testbed, and integrated sensing demonstrations.

Rather than a complete replacement of existing radio interfaces, Qualcomm’s direction appears evolutionary, potentially retaining established techniques like OFDM while focusing improvements on wider channels, advanced MIMO, and AI-assisted optimization. The technology aims to address increasing uplink demands driven by new device types, such as smart glasses.