The mobile world just keeps expanding, and if you're like me – someone who remembers life before phones and the internet – you've seen just how much things have changed. Research shows that 5.6 billion people now have a mobile subscription – that's 1.6 billion more than in 2015. And almost all of them, around 4.7 billion, are using mobile internet. Crazy, right?
And since AI is the tech industry's latest obsession, mobile network operators (MNOs) like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T are all in on it, too. According to the latest survey (subscription required), AI isn't just a buzzword – it's the biggest priority for the mobile industry right now.
The number one priority for 2025 is AI. | Image credit – Mobile World Live
Tech trends come and go, but when something new catches on, companies tend to push it to the max. Usually, the hype dies down, and things settle into more realistic expectations. But with AI, things might be different – it's everywhere. The level of excitement is off the charts, and if you've been paying attention to recent phone launches, you've probably noticed it, too!
AI is simultaneously the most attractive ( first image) and the most overhyped business area (second image). | Image credit – Mobile World Live
AI in mobile networks isn't exactly a new concept – machine learning has been around for years, helping carriers plan network expansions, optimize performance, and even run customer service chatbots. But things have taken a big leap forward. The game-changer? Generative AI and large language models (LLMs).
Unlike traditional AI, which learns from specific data sets to make predictions, Generative AI can process massive amounts of information and create entirely new content. In the telecom world, this technology is being put to work in some powerful ways:
Easing network congestion: By analyzing real-time traffic data, AI can pinpoint bottlenecks before they become major slowdowns.
Predicting failures: Using past data, AI can identify weak spots in the network and help prevent outages.
Helping engineers work smarter: AI can scan and summarize live incidents, cutting down the time engineers spend searching for solutions.
Spotting cyber threats: By detecting unusual traffic patterns, AI can flag potential security risks like phishing and social engineering attacks.
On the customer side of things, AI is also reshaping the experience. Customer service bots are evolving from simple, rule-based systems to more intelligent ones that provide genuinely personalized support. Meanwhile, sales and marketing teams are using AI to create custom-tailored offers for each customer.
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Apparently, for mobile operators, the biggest advantage of Gen AI is that it adapts quicker to users needs. | Image credit – Mobile World Live
And hey, as you may have noticed, phone makers are also jumping into the AI revolution. They're in a fierce competition to develop cutting-edge generative AI apps for their devices. These apps can do everything from translating languages in real-time, composing messages, and creating videos to enhancing or fixing photos.
Samsung has already gone all-in with Galaxy AI, refining it even further with the Galaxy S25 series. Google is pushing hard with its Gemini AI, which is deeply integrated into Pixel phones. And Apple has also officially entered the race with Apple Intelligence, rolling out on the iPhone 15 Pro models, the iPhone 16 lineup, and the new iPhone 16e.
In fact, projections suggest that by 2028, a massive 730 million GenAI-powered smartphones will have shipped. With numbers like that, it's no surprise that mobile carriers are looking to get in on the AI action, too.
The latest industry survey has revealed some key insights worth noting, too:
eSIM adoption is accelerating: This year alone, there will be one billion eSIM smartphone connections, and by 2028, half of all smartphone connections will rely on eSIM.
IoT is booming: By 2030, IoT connections are expected to surpass 38 billion.
6G is still in the early stages: While it's definitely a topic of discussion, only 17% of mobile network operators (MNOs) are actively investing in it. Most (47%) are keeping a close eye on the market, while 35% have pushed investment back, expecting that 6G won't be commercially viable until at least 2030.
Satellite-enabled connectivity has big potential: By 2035, up to 2 billion IoT devices could be connected via satellite. However, high costs remain the biggest barrier to the widespread adoption of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs).
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Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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