Apple joined an industry group devoted to fostering the development of 6G cellular wireless technologies.
With 5G still rolling out, and some people might be surprised that planning for its replacement is already beginning, but the Next G Alliance says it’s not too soon.
Apple joined the trade group filled big heavy hitters on Thursday November 12. Other new members include Google, HP, Intel and LG. They joined a group that already included AT&T, Facebook, Microsoft, Nokia, Qualcomm, Samsung, T-Mobile, UScellular and Verizon.
The Next G Alliance is part of the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions, a tradegroup that helped create 5G. Despite drawing member companies from around the world, ATIS focuses on N. America.
Apple and Next G Alliance just getting started on 6G
The very first meeting of the 6G group is scheduled for November 16. This will “set the initiative’s overarching direction and strategy,” according to ATIS.
Obviously, it’s much to early to say what 6G will offer users. Apple only released its first 5G-enabled handsets, the iPhone 12 series, this autumn. But the Next G Alliance insists that now is the time to start planning if N. America isn’t to be left behind. “Other regions of the globe have announced and are implementing ambitious plans to launch 6G research and development initiatives,” says a statement from the Next G Alliance. “It is critical that North American industry steps forward now to create the roadmap to the next decade of strong global mobile technology leadership.”
Source: ATIS
