The GSMA is behind MWC26 Shanghai, scheduled for 24–26 June 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. This edition will highlight some of the most thrilling tech frontiers on the planet, such as 6G, mobile AI, embodied intelligence, smart healthcare, smart mobility, satellite and non-terrestrial networks (NTN).
Below is a sneak peek at four standout zones where tomorrow’s technology intersects with daily life.
PART 01
Smarter living: mobile AI and embodied intelligence move into the mainstream
MWC26 Shanghai debuts the brand-new Mobile AI Innovation Frontiers Zone, presenting a broad spectrum of AI-driven gadgets — from smartphones and smart glasses to intelligent toys — giving visitors a firsthand look at how AI is weaving itself into everyday routines.
One of the standout themes this year is embodied intelligence transitioning from laboratory concepts to practical, real-world deployments. Embodied intelligence describes physical systems capable of sensing their surroundings, taking action, and engaging with the environment. By merging the reasoning power of large AI models with robotics, sensors, and actuators, these systems gain the ability to see, hear, move, and reason.
From standalone smart devices to fluid, coordinated teamwork, what MWC26 Shanghai presents goes beyond mere technical milestones — it offers a window into how future cities will function and how everyday life will unfold.
PART 02
Smart connectivity: direct-to-satellite links for a never offline era
For locations where conventional ground-based networks can’t reliably reach — think remote villages, mountainous terrain, and offshore settings — MWC26 Shanghai will roll out its first-ever Constellations of the Future Zone. This space brings together satellite operators, device makers, and industry collaborators to exhibit the newest advances and commercial use cases for non-terrestrial networks (NTN).
GSMA Intelligence reports that by September 2025, 110 operator groups — accounting for 67% of the world’s mobile connections — had already forged active partnerships with satellite firms. China’s three leading operators have each secured satellite mobile communication licences, clearing the path for satellite connectivity to become a built-in feature of upcoming mobile plans.
In practical terms, whether you’re trekking through the hills, sailing at sea, or driving across isolated stretches of land, your device could seamlessly hand over to satellite networks the moment terrestrial signals drop off.
Close to 20 homegrown satellite communications companies will display their newest breakthroughs at the event. Space-based technologies that once felt like science fiction are steadily becoming woven into ordinary routines. Looking ahead, staying connected may shift from being a premium perk to a basic expectation.
PART 03
Smarter healthcare: bringing top-tier medical services within reach of all
MWC26 Shanghai will host a dedicated Smart Healthcare Zone, delving into how AI and 5G are reshaping access to medical care.
Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University — designated as both a National Medical Centre and a National AI Application Pilot Base — is leading the charge toward the AI-native hospital concept through its AIMS platform, aiming to build a Chinese blueprint for deploying medical AI at scale.
At the same time, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University will unveil three AI-powered healthcare projects spanning hypertension management, allergy and immunology follow-up care, and multidisciplinary decision-support for gastrointestinal tumours.
To meet the rising demand for health screenings, ZTE and Shanzhen Technology have jointly introduced an AI-enhanced health examination solution that addresses persistent bottlenecks such as slow report generation, interpretation difficulties, and quality assurance.
From AI-assisted diagnostics and rehabilitation to smart hospitals and remote specialist collaboration, AI and 5G are helping bridge geographic divides in healthcare, making the goal of accessing top doctors from your neighbourhood an increasingly tangible reality.
PART 04
Smart mobility: from the racetrack to the open road
As 5G, AI, and vehicle-to-everything technologies mature, the very experience of driving is being transformed.
At the co-located Smart Mobility Summit, attendees will get an up-close look at the future of transportation — covering everything from L2–L4 autonomous driving and intelligent vehicle cockpits to software-defined vehicles and C-V2X-enabled road infrastructure.
Beyond eVTOL aircraft, drone-based logistics, and Urban Air Mobility (UAM), low-altitude technologies are finding growing roles in city management. Xingji Hang (Jiangsu) Technology will demonstrate its STAR·AIBOX platform, which fuses multi-domain sensing with AI large models to enable intelligent monitoring and oversight across more than 100 use cases — including forest fire prevention, environmental compliance, and detection of illegal construction.
The world-famous all-electric racing championship Formula E will also bring its latest Gen3 EVO race car to MWC26 Shanghai. Visitors can get hands-on with cutting-edge features such as low-latency telemetry feeds and real-time team communications, illustrating how 5G fuels both raw speed and smart decision-making.
Visitor information
Date: 24–26 June 2026 (Wednesday to Friday)
Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre
(2345 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai)
Important notice:
MWC26 Shanghai is open exclusively to visitors aged 16 and older. A valid form of identification (national ID card or passport) must be presented at registration.
Registration for MWC26 Shanghai is currently open. Media professionals, industry analysts, and content creators can request a complimentary media pass here.
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