3GPP Releases
Complete timeline of 3GPP releases from LTE-Advanced to 5G-Advanced and beyond
Release 18
5G-Advanced
In Progress
2024-2025
Enhanced 5G capabilities with AI/ML integration and advanced features
Key Features:
AI/ML for RAN
Enhanced Network Slicing
Extended Reality (XR)
Ambient IoT
Satellite Integration
Energy Efficiency
Key Specifications:
TS 38.xxx series updates
New AI/ML specifications
Enhanced security features
Release 17
5G-Advanced Foundation
Completed
2022-2023
Foundation for 5G-Advanced with enhanced capabilities and new use cases
Key Features:
NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks)
Enhanced URLLC
Positioning Enhancements
Industrial IoT
Multicast/Broadcast
Coverage Enhancement
Key Specifications:
TS 38.300 v17.x.x
TS 23.501 v17.x.x
TS 33.501 v17.x.x
Release 16
5G Phase 2
Completed
2020-2021
Complete 5G system with URLLC, mMTC, and enhanced mobile broadband
Key Features:
URLLC Enhancements
V2X Communications
Industrial IoT
Private Networks
Integrated Access Backhaul
Positioning Services
Key Specifications:
TS 38.300 v16.x.x
TS 23.501 v16.x.x
TS 33.501 v16.x.x
Release 15
5G Phase 1
Completed
2018-2019
First complete 5G system with NSA and SA deployment options
Key Features:
5G NR Radio
5G Core Network
Network Slicing
Service Based Architecture
Enhanced Mobile Broadband
NSA/SA Options
Key Specifications:
TS 38.300 v15.x.x
TS 23.501 v15.x.x
TS 33.501 v15.x.x
Release 14
LTE-Advanced Pro
Completed
2017-2018
Enhanced LTE with 5G preparation and IoT capabilities
Key Features:
LTE-Advanced Pro
NB-IoT Enhancements
eMTC Evolution
V2X Phase 1
LAA Enhancements
5G Studies
Key Specifications:
TS 36.300 v14.x.x
TS 23.401 v14.x.x
TS 33.401 v14.x.x
Release 13
LTE-Advanced
Completed
2016-2017
LTE-Advanced with IoT support and enhanced capabilities
Key Features:
LTE-Advanced
NB-IoT Introduction
eMTC (Cat-M1)
LAA (Licensed Assisted Access)
Enhanced CA
ProSe Enhancements
Key Specifications:
TS 36.300 v13.x.x
TS 23.401 v13.x.x
TS 33.401 v13.x.x
Future Roadmap
Looking ahead to 6G and beyond
Release 19
2025-2026
6G Foundation
Early 6G research and advanced 5G capabilities
Release 20
2026-2027
6G Development
6G system architecture and key technologies
6G Commercial
2030+
6G Deployment
Commercial 6G networks and services
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