The world’s biggest mobile technology event, Mobile World Congress, is returning to Barcelona for its 20th edition, starting Monday.
Thousands of tech leaders, telecom companies, and government officials are gathering to show off new devices and discuss the future of mobile technology — especially the growing role of artificial intelligence.
Here are the key things to watch at this year’s event.
Big names and major announcements
The event is organized by the GSMA and is expected to attract around 109,000 industry attendees.
More than 2,900 companies will showcase their latest technology, while around 60 government ministers from different countries will also attend.
Some of the biggest companies in telecom and tech will be there, including:
- Samsung
- Huawei
- Nokia
- Orange
- Xiaomi
- Honor
Major tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon will also be present.
One major company missing from the event is Apple. Apple traditionally avoids the trade show and prefers to launch products at its own events.
One of the most anticipated speakers will be Gwynne Shotwell from SpaceX.
AI takes center stage
Artificial intelligence will be a major theme at this year’s conference.
Companies are rushing to add AI-powered features to smartphones, telecom networks, and digital services. At the same time, governments and industry leaders are debating how the technology should be regulated.
One interesting product expected at the event is a new AI-powered “robot phone” from Honor, which the company plans to reveal during the conference.
Push for “sovereign AI”
Another key topic will be “sovereign AI.”
This idea focuses on countries and regions building their own AI systems and digital infrastructure instead of relying on technology developed elsewhere.
Telecom networks play a huge role here because AI systems require massive amounts of data to move quickly and securely.
Satellite connectivity for smartphones will also be widely discussed as companies look for new ways to expand global coverage.
Preparing for the next generation of networks
Telecom operators are still expanding **5G coverage around the world.
At the same time, they are beginning to prepare for 6G, the future generation of mobile connectivity.
Industry analyst Paolo Pescatore says companies want to make sure today’s network investments will still work when 6G eventually arrives.
“It’s all about the network,” he said.
Smartphone market showing strength
The global smartphone market is also showing signs of recovery.
According to data firm IDC, more than 1.2 billion smartphones were sold in 2025, a 1.9% increase compared with the previous year.
IDC research director Nabila Popal said the market showed “remarkable resilience” despite tariffs, supply chain issues, and economic uncertainty.
However, phone makers are now facing rising memory chip prices, largely driven by huge demand from companies building data centers and infrastructure for AI.
Smartphone market share
In 2025 global smartphone sales:
- Apple: 19.7% market share
- Samsung: 19.1%
- Xiaomi: 13.1%
As the event begins, companies will be hoping their newest devices, AI tools, and connectivity technologies can stand out in an increasingly competitive tech industry.
