Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) has expanded its 6G Innovation Forum by adding nine new industry members, accelerating the development of next-generation wireless architectures.

The expansion includes Amazon Web Services, Cisco, Intel, Keysight Technologies, MediaTek, NVIDIA, Palo Alto Networks, Rohde & Schwarz, and VIAVI Solutions. These firms join founding members Ericsson, Samsung, Nokia, Meta, and Qualcomm Technologies in an effort to build an open and resilient 6G ecosystem.

Strategic Expansion and Capabilities

Yago Tenorio, Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of Technology Development at Verizon, stated that the goal is to ensure the AI-native 6G network is built from day one to scale 5G Advanced capabilities.

The new members bring multi-disciplinary capabilities across cloud services, advanced silicon, accelerated computing, independent automated test emulation, network security, and immersive device graphics simulation. The forum focuses on trialing new use cases, testing spectrum bands, and aligning with global standards bodies like the 3GPP.

Real-World Trials

Verizon highlighted successful field trials targeting Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) use cases with founding partners Samsung and Qualcomm. ISAC transforms cellular networks into distributed radar-like sensors without physical cameras.

Crowd Density Detection

A trial staged at a soccer celebration in Dallas, Texas, represented the industry’s first AI-powered ISAC trial on a virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN). Using a single 5G base station and 40MHz of CBRS spectrum, the network tracked radio variations from six Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Samsung’s AI RAN platform analyzed signal changes to generate real-time crowd-density heatmaps.

Drone and Vehicle Tracking

Conducted at Qualcomm’s San Diego campus, another trial utilized 100 to 400MHz of millimeter-wave spectrum and four synchronized Transmission and Reception Points (TRPs). The system mapped the position and velocity of an airborne drone and moving ground vehicles while maintaining high-speed 5G Standalone mobile communications for a user on the ground.

AI-Native Applications

Verizon showcased a prototype AI Sports Companion application powered by the Verizon Edge Network. The app uses Meta AI glasses, a locally optimized Small Language Model, and a NVIDIA DGX Spark to provide users with real-time player statistics and game insights via spoken answers.

This prototype explores how future AI-native devices will demand ultra-low latency and a balanced uplink-downlink model, as wearables like smart glasses generate significant uplink data.

Path to Deployment

Verizon views the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles as the ultimate interim proving ground for commercial 6G deployment. With a dedicated 6G Lab established in Los Angeles, the company plans to stress-test capacity demands and early use cases involving digital twins, robotics, and advanced wearables.

Verizon generated revenues of $138.2 billion in 2025.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) announced the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro lineup alongside its new Simplicity pricing plans. The carrier is offering the latest Apple devices without trade-in requirements for switchers.

Preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 begin on September 12 at 8 am ET. Wide availability follows on September 18. The iPhone Duo, a foldable model, will be available to pre-order starting October 16.

Pricing and Plans

Verizon introduced the Simplicity plan, which eliminates tiered network confusion. The plan includes unlimited 5G Ultra Wideband data, 10GB of premium mobile hotspot, and roaming in Canada and Mexico. Switchers can get the iPhone 18 Pro now and upgrade every year with Simplicity Pro for $80 a month after Auto Pay and switcher discounts, plus taxes and fees.

Existing customers can save up to $1,200 on a new iPhone with an eligible myPlan by trading in an eligible phone. Upgrades on existing lines offer up to $1,020 off. These credits are applied monthly over 36 months.

Device Highlights

The iPhone 18 Pro features a redesigned 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture. It is powered by the A20 Pro chip. The iPhone 18 Pro Max delivers the biggest jump in battery life ever on an iPhone. The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 include the S11 chip and a new Health Sensing System. AirPods 5 offer Active Noise Cancellation in an open-ear design.

Loyalty Benefits

Verizon Loyalty removes activation and upgrade fees for all postpaid customers. Members earn 3% back in Verizon Dollars every month. The program also provides access to Verizon Shine, which offers daily drops and experiences.