The leading technological force that no longer promises the future, but delivers the present

From our special correspondent: David Jaramillo

The Mobile World Congress in Barcelona once again places itself at the global epicenter of technology, but this time with an undisputed protagonist: artificial intelligence. If in previous editions AI appeared as a transversal promise, in 2026 it is firmly established as the core element shaping nearly all major innovations at the event.

More than an “invasion,” what we are witnessing is a rapid normalization. Artificial intelligence is no longer an add-on; it has become the main engine behind devices, networks, and digital services. Manufacturers, telecom operators, and developers share a common message: the focus is no longer on experimentation, but on scaling real-world solutions.

One of the most visible highlights will be the integration of generative AI directly into smartphones. Assistants capable of summarizing calls, generating personalized responses, editing images, or anticipating user needs without relying on the cloud will represent a qualitative leap in the mobile experience. AI moves onto the device itself, offering greater privacy and lower latency.

In the networking domain, artificial intelligence will play a key role in the autonomous management of advanced 5G and the first practical use cases of 6G. Telecom operators will showcase systems capable of optimizing traffic, reducing energy consumption, and anticipating failures without human intervention—an essential step toward fully self-managed networks.

Another major area of innovation will be AI applied to enterprises and public administrations. Platforms that automate citizen services, analyze large volumes of urban data, or predict mobility patterns will turn the concept of the “smart city” into something far more tangible and operational.

The event will also highlight connected devices powered by artificial intelligence: health wearables capable of detecting anomalies before symptoms appear, industrial sensors that learn from their environment, and computer vision solutions for logistics and security.

Ethical and regulatory discussions will also take center stage. Data sovereignty, algorithm transparency, and compliance with European regulations will be central themes in keynotes and panel discussions, reflecting growing concern about the responsible use of AI.

Ultimately, the Mobile World Congress will confirm that artificial intelligence is no longer an emerging technology, but the new operating system of the digital economy. More than the future of mobile technology, what is being unveiled in Barcelona is the immediate future of how we work, communicate, and live in an increasingly intelligent world.