The smartphone world is preparing for another giant leap forward. At its annual Hawaii event, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon announced that 6G-ready devices could arrive as early as 2028. Yes, the era after 5G is already being planned, and the countdown has officially begun.

According to Amon, the first pre-commercial 6G devices—test models showcasing futuristic speed and connectivity—will appear within the next three years. While these won’t hit retail shelves immediately, they will demonstrate the mind-bending capabilities of sixth-generation mobile internet.

So, what’s the hype about? Experts expect 6G to deliver ultra-fast internet speeds, real-time holograms, smarter AI integration, and a seamless metaverse experience. It could also unlock new industries we can’t yet imagine—just like how 4G enabled Uber and Instagram, and 5G powered cloud gaming and AR.

Why this matters: If Qualcomm’s timeline holds true, the world is less than five years away from witnessing the smartphone revolution of 6G.