5G, smartphone, automobile, AI (Artificial Intelligence), Industrial 4.0, AR/VR head-mounted display, smart city, smart home, cybersecurity, and new key components are 10 key areas observed at this year's MWC that have new inventions which are touted as the next big thing, according to MIC (Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute), a Taipei-based government-backed research institute.

When it comes to 5G smartphones, MIC estimates that following the official launch in 2019, global 5G smartphone shipment volume will grow 7.9% year-on-year to 33.2 million units in 2020 and further to 445 million units in 2023, with a CAGR of 12.4% for the period 2020-2023. "There are about 20 countries that are ready to launch their 5G networks and products for the commercial market this year," says Eddie Han, senior industry analyst with MIC. "Other than 5G technology, foldable and multi-lens designs are other areas of focus for smartphones at this year's MWC. Although there are yet to have any killer 5G applications available, 5G smartphones launched this year will be all compatible with sub-6GHz bands but not necessary with mmWave."

Global 5G Smartphone Shipment Volume, 2019-2023

Source: MIC, March 2019

"When it comes to 5G equipment development, there are a total of 70 5G commercial orders separately placed with the top three telecom equipment manufacturers: Ericsson, Nokia, and Huawei," says Kay Chung, senior industry analyst with MIC. "Despite the global backlash, Huawei still secures a total of 34 orders, the highest compared to Nokia's 21 orders and Ericsson's 18 orders. Notably, 5G orders not only come from countries with advanced network infrastructure such as the US, Korea, and Japan but also from countries with limited network infrastructure such as South Africa."

5G Commercial Order Placements, 4Q 2018 – 2020

Source: Respective companies, compiled by MIC, March 2019

To see more MIC reports, please visit: Worldwide Smartphone Market Forecast, 2019~2023 (1Q 2019 Update), Outlook for the Global Smartphone Industry in 2019 and Beyond, Worldwide Major Mobile Phone Vendor Performance, 4Q 2018

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About MIC

Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute (MIC), based in Taipei, Taiwan, was founded in 1987. MIC is Taiwan's premier IT industry research and consulting firm providing intelligence, in-depth analysis, and strategic consulting services on global IT product and technology trends, focusing on markets and industries in Asia-Pacific. MIC is part of the Institute for Information Industry.