Decoding the Future: Takeaways from Mobile World Congress 2023

The Mobile World Congress (MWC23), held in Barcelona, was a melting pot of innovation, collaboration, and excitement particularly given the more subdued versions of the previous 3 years. As the world's largest exhibition for the mobile industry, MWC hosted nearly 90,000 attendees and more than 2,400 companies, showcasing the brightest minds and cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of communication.

Deloitte had a strong presence grounded in demonstrations of our work with alliance partners and clients in 5G deployments, Cyber attack prevention, Cloud and AI based technologies and XR.

In this post, I'll explore my key takeaways from MWC 2023, highlighting the most groundbreaking advancements and emerging trends in mobile technology.

Pioneering 6G - 'Connected Intelligence' but still >10 years away:

The future introduction of 6G was undoubtedly the most buzzworthy topic at MWC 2023. Although 5G technology has already reached over 1 billion subscribers worldwide, industry leaders and network organisations presented their vision for the next generation of connectivity. 6G promises to revolutionize communication with speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G (1 Terrabyte/Sec Download), ultra-low latency below 1ms, and advanced network-slicing and intelligence capabilities. It will enable a seamless integration of the digital and physical world, powering technologies such as holographic communication, smart cities, and the 'Internet of Intelligence' (a concept that the network will be AI driven and connecting AIs globally. Another feature that was discussed by vendors was the idea that 6G would be the backbone of ubiquitous connectivity which will require the use of terahertz band spectrum (used by Defence/Emergency Services in Australia) - a challenge to implement!

Fold it, Roll it, Flex it - Foldable and Rollable Devices are gaining traction:

Foldable and rollable devices took center stage, as manufacturers showcased innovative designs and advanced materials. These devices offer users the convenience of compact form factors without compromising on screen size or functionality. With an estimated global foldable smartphone market size of $29 billion by 2025, foldable smartphones, tablets, and laptops were on display, highlighting the industry's commitment to revolutionizing the way we interact with our devices. Device innovation has tended to be focused on cameras or innovation on the inside of the device with dedicated AI chips bringing new features to the software but it is interesting to see the physical form factor making a bigger impression.

Sustainable Mobile Technologies - Keep your device longer:

Sustainability was a central theme at MWC 2023, as companies unveiled eco-friendly devices and initiatives. From biodegradable phone cases to energy-efficient chipsets, the industry is making a concerted effort to minimize its environmental impact. Additionally, manufacturers are focusing on extending device lifecycles, promoting repairability, and developing modular designs to reduce electronic waste.

Everything intelligent - Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML):

AI and ML were omnipresent at MWC 2023, demonstrating their potential to transform the mobile industry. With over 50% of mobile services predicted to be AI-driven by 2025, personalized content recommendations and real-time language translation are becoming integral to the mobile user experience. Moreover, advancements in on-device AI and edge computing will enable smarter, more efficient devices that can process data locally, reducing latency and preserving privacy. With the growing interest in generative AI there were a number of panel discussions I attended where GAI was raised. Embedded GAI on devices is likely to be an advancement in the coming 5 years which will mean 'chatgpt' like functionality without a connection. One product, demonstrating the AI-infused capability was ZTE's 'Nubia Pad' which generates 3D images by scanning your eyes and sending different images to the right and left!

The 'F word' - Fad, Fantasy or Future... The Metaverse and Augmented Reality (AR):

The metaverse was again a hot topic in 2023, as companies showcased their vision for a fully immersive digital world. With the global AR market size projected to reach $198 billion by 2025, mobile devices will play a critical role in bridging the gap between the physical and virtual realms, enabling users to access the metaverse from anywhere. AR experiences, powered by 6G connectivity and advanced wearables, will become increasingly commonplace, revolutionizing industries such as retail, entertainment, and education. One thing that stood out is that carriers and device manufacturers appear to be on track to developing 'metaverse ready' infrastructure and devices, however, content makers are lagging. It is a bit of a 'chicken/egg' scenario with one likely to gain momentum from the other.

Edge Computing and Distributed Cloud:

Edge computing and distributed cloud solutions were prevalent at MWC 2023, emphasizing the need for efficient data processing and low-latency communication. By bringing computation and storage closer to the source of data generation, edge computing enables real-time decision-making for applications such as autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and smart cities. There were a number of displays where edge compute and private 5G provide a backbone to a cutting-edge experience. For example, HTC Vive (Taiwanese XR headset manufacturer) also has a Private 5G in a box offering 'G-Reign' allowing it to support the implementation of its equipment in an enterprise owning the experience from device to cloud.

Internet of things is still a thing - IoT and Smart Wearables:

Internet of Things (IoT) and smart wearables was showcased in a variety of forms at MWC 2023. With the global wearable devices market projected to reach $104 billion by 2026, companies unveiled innovative health-tracking devices, smart glasses, and even connected clothing, demonstrating how IoT technology is becoming seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. Some interesting developments were platforms like the 'Human Augmentation Platform' demonstrated by NTT Docomo which allows a remote robot to mimic the movements of a human in real-time or Deloitte's work with Siemens to bring remote real-time ultrasound to life using 5G in Brazil.

The Mobile World Congress 2023 showcased the remarkable pace of innovation in the mobile industry, emphasising the crucial role mobile technology plays in shaping our interconnected world. With advancements in 6G connectivity, foldable devices, and immersive digital experiences, businesses must stay informed of these emerging trends and seize the opportunities they offer to maintain a competitive edge in an ever-changing digital environment.

As we move forward, it is essential for organisations and leaders to harness the transformative power of mobile technology to create innovative solutions, streamline processes, and enhance customer experiences. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing these technological breakthroughs, we can drive progress and help shape a more efficient and sustainable future.

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