“Bridge to 6G: Spotlight on 3GPP Release 20”, authored by ABI Research and commissioned by InterDigital, explores how 3GPP Release 20 serves as the pivotal link between 5G-Advanced and the next-generation 6G ecosystem. With 5G reaching maturity across global markets, the document highlights the industry’s transition toward 6G, emphasizing lessons learned from 5G’s fragmented rollout and the need for simplified, energy-efficient, and AI-native network architectures.
The paper outlines the standardization timeline, positioning Release 20 (2025–2027) as a dual-phase milestone that completes 5G-Advanced specifications while launching coordinated studies for 6G.
Release 20 also advances critical 5G-Advanced features, including enhanced system architecture, AI/ML integration in the air interface, energy-aware service delivery, post-quantum security studies, and foundational work for “Sensing-as-a-Service.” These developments lay the groundwork for new service domains for 6G, such as immersive XR, autonomous systems, and AI-driven IoT.