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Emma Walsh here, managing editor of the Journal. Regular Journal readers know that tech isn't our typical beat. And when it pertains to tech investing, we leave it to the specialists. The good news is, we have numerous such specialists in our Rolodex. Our associate Jeff Brown will recognize to our longtime readers.
In fact, he had a number of triple-digit returns in his Brownstone Research study portfolios in 2015. Here's what Jeff believes the tech sector will bring us in 2021 Each year, I like to take a look at the big picture and predict what's just around the corner. Long time readers of my work understand that I follow the most exciting tech patterns on the brink of mass adoption.
These trends are experiencing rapid development and creating amazing opportunities for financiers. I want to make sure all our readers are gotten ready for what's next. And with that in mind, let me draw the picture of what I see can be found in the next 12 months 1. 5G Gadgets Our new 5G (fifth-generation) cordless networks are a subject I have actually been covering for years now.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic interfered with supply chains last year, an outstanding 250 million 5G-enabled devices were still sold. Specifically in the 2nd quarter, there were supply chain disturbances, producing delays, and work blockages. And all of this ultimately caused Apple delaying the release of the 5G-enabled i, Phone 12 by two months.
And that demand is now going to be pushed into 2021. I forecast that more than 500 million 5G gadgets will be shipped in 2021.
Phase 3 of 5G When I have actually talked about 5G in the past, I've explained its three different phases. In Stage One, the infrastructure of these brand-new networks is built out, consisting of all the brand-new towers and fiber-optic electrical wiring that 5G will need. In Stage Two, 5G devices go on sale.
And in Stage Three, 5G services begin to be offered. That's when we start to see applications running on 5G networks. And my second 5G forecast for 2021 is that we will begin Phase 3 by this summertime.
More and more consumers will go out to buy a 5G phone to gain access to these applications. 5G is going to open up a suite of incredible applications: self-driving automobiles, the Internet of Things, robotic surgery, and more.
The investment chances moving forward will be massive. 3. CRISPR Genetic Modifying Stepping away from 5G, the next essential innovation I predict in 2021 is CRISPR genetic modifying. CRISPR means "clustered regularly interspaced brief palindromic repeat." It's a mouthful. However it is among the most exciting advancements in biotechnology.