MWC26 Shanghai is set to place connected mobility, satellite networks, and mobile AI on one stage, turning the event into a showcase for technologies that are already moving beyond concept stage. The gathering will highlight how these systems are being applied in healthcare, transport, smart living, and motorsport.
The event will run from 24 June to 26 June 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. GSMA has outlined four main zones for the show: smarter living, connectivity, healthcare, and mobility.
Mobile AI moves closer to everyday devices
One of the strongest themes at this year’s event is the rise of mobile AI and 6G. The focus signals an industry shift from network speed alone toward a more intelligent digital experience that reaches daily life.
The new Mobile AI Innovation Frontiers Zone will feature AI-powered smartphones, smart glasses, and intelligent toys. It is designed to show how AI is becoming more visible in consumer devices and more closely tied to routine use.
MWC26 Shanghai will also highlight embodied intelligence, a term for intelligent systems with physical form that can sense, act, and interact in the real world.
These systems combine large AI model reasoning with robotics, sensors, and actuators. The result is technology that can see, hear, move, and respond within physical environments.
Satellite connectivity gets a larger role
Connectivity remains another major pillar of the show, with the debut of the Constellations of the Future Zone. The zone will bring together satellite operators, device makers, and industry partners.
Its focus is on the latest development and commercial use of non-terrestrial networks. These systems are aimed at places where terrestrial coverage is still difficult, including remote regions, mountain areas, and offshore environments.
GSMA Intelligence said 110 operator groups had active partnerships with satellite companies as of September last year. That figure represents 67 percent of global mobile connections, showing that satellite and cellular integration is moving into broader implementation.
Nearly 20 domestic satellite communications companies are also expected to present their latest innovations at the event. Their presence underscores the growing importance of satellite-based connectivity in the future mobile ecosystem.
Healthcare and mobility show practical uses
The Smart Healthcare Zone will give AI and 5G a practical stage in medicine. Visitors will see how the technologies are being used to expand access to healthcare services.
Fudan University’s Zhongshan Hospital will present its AI-native hospital development through AIMS. The initiative is intended to build a Chinese model for large-scale medical AI deployment.
Fudan University’s Huashan Hospital will present three AI-based initiatives covering hypertension management, follow-up care for allergy and immunology, and decision support for multidisciplinary gastrointestinal tumor treatment.
ZTE and Shanzhen Technology will also introduce AI-based health screening solutions. These tools are designed to address long reporting times, interpretation difficulties, and quality control challenges.
The mobility program will center on the Smart Mobility Summit, where visitors will see L2 to L4 autonomous driving, intelligent cockpits, software-defined vehicles, and C-V2X infrastructure.
Low-altitude technology is part of the lineup as well. Xingji Hang (Jiangsu) Technology is scheduled to present the STARAIBOX platform for inspection and management across more than 100 scenarios, including wildfire prevention, environmental protection, and illegal building detection.
Formula E will be one of the event’s most visible attractions, bringing its Gen3 EVO race car to Shanghai. The display will offer a direct look at low-latency telemetry and real-time team communication.
The demonstration is expected to show how 5G supports both performance and data use in electric racing. MWC26 Shanghai is open to attendees aged 16 and above, with registration available for visitors, media, and industry analysts through the official event website.
