Meet our group and check out the research services we provide our readers. Your journey toward higher wealth starts with this complimentary brochure from Brownstone Research. See Why More Than 800,000 Readers Follow Our Research Learn How to Grow Your Wealth Today What Our Readers Are Stating About Us.
Emma Walsh here, managing editor of the Diary. Routine Diary readers know that tech isn't our normal beat. And when it pertains to tech investing, we leave it to the experts. Fortunately, we have several such experts in our Rolodex. Our coworker Jeff Brown will be familiar to our longtime readers.
In fact, he had several triple-digit returns in his Brownstone Research portfolios last year. Here's what Jeff believes the tech sector will bring us in 2021 Each year, I like to take a look at the huge picture and forecast what's simply around the corner. Long time readers of my work know that I follow the most exciting tech trends on the edge of mass adoption.
These trends are experiencing exponential development and creating extraordinary opportunities for investors. I desire to ensure all our readers are gotten ready for what's next. And with that in mind, let me draw the image of what I see can be found in the next 12 months 1. 5G Gadgets Our new 5G (fifth-generation) wireless networks are a topic I have actually been covering for years now.
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted supply chains last year, a remarkable 250 million 5G-enabled devices were still offered. Especially in the second quarter, there were supply chain disturbances, making delays, and work stoppages. And all of this eventually resulted in Apple postponing the release of the 5G-enabled i, Phone 12 by 2 months.
When you consider all of that, selling 250 million systems is amazing. More importantly, the delays brought on by the pandemic produced a load of bottled-up demand. And that need is now going to be pressed into 2021. In truth, I anticipate that more than 500 million 5G gadgets will be shipped in 2021.
Phase 3 of 5G When I have actually spoken about 5G in the past, I've described its 3 various stages. In Phase One, the facilities of these brand-new networks is constructed out, consisting of all the brand-new towers and fiber-optic electrical wiring that 5G will need. In Phase Two, 5G gadgets go on sale.
And in Phase 3, 5G services start to be used. That's when we begin to see applications running on 5G networks. Think about things like huge multiplayer games over a smart phone. That's not possible with 4G. It will be with 5G. And my second 5G prediction for 2021 is that we will start Phase 3 by this summertime.
More and more consumers will go out to buy a 5G phone to access these applications. 5G is going to open up a suite of unbelievable applications: self-driving cars, the Internet of Things, robotic surgical treatment, and more.
The financial investment opportunities going forward will be massive. CRISPR Genetic Modifying Stepping away from 5G, the next essential innovation I anticipate in 2021 is CRISPR genetic editing. It's one of the most interesting developments in biotechnology.