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Emma Walsh here, handling editor of the Journal. Regular Journal readers know that tech isn't our normal beat. And when it comes to tech investing, we leave it to the professionals. The good news is, we have numerous such professionals in our Rolodex. Our associate Jeff Brown will recognize to our long time readers.
In fact, he had a number of triple-digit returns in his Brownstone Research portfolios last year. Here's what Jeff thinks the tech sector will bring us in 2021 Each year, I like to take an appearance at the big photo and forecast what's just around the corner. Longtime readers of my work understand that I follow the most exciting tech patterns on the verge of mass adoption.
These patterns are experiencing exponential development and producing amazing opportunities for financiers. 5G Devices Our new 5G (fifth-generation) cordless networks are a topic I've been covering for years now.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains in 2015, an impressive 250 million 5G-enabled gadgets were still sold. Specifically in the second quarter, there were supply chain disturbances, making delays, and work stoppages. And all of this ultimately resulted in Apple postponing the release of the 5G-enabled i, Phone 12 by two months.
And that demand is now going to be pushed into 2021. I predict that more than 500 million 5G gadgets will be shipped in 2021.
Stage 3 of 5G When I have actually discussed 5G in the past, I've explained its three various phases. In Stage One, the facilities of these brand-new networks is developed out, including all the brand-new towers and fiber-optic electrical wiring that 5G will need. In Stage Two, 5G devices go on sale.
And in Phase Three, 5G services start to be offered. That's when we start to see applications running on 5G networks. Think about things like enormous multiplayer video games over a cellphone. That's not possible with 4G. It will be with 5G. And my 2nd 5G prediction for 2021 is that we will begin Phase Three by this summer season.
More and more consumers will go out to purchase a 5G phone to access these applications. 5G is going to open up a suite of unbelievable applications: self-driving automobiles, the Web of Things, robotic surgical treatment, and more.
The investment opportunities going forward will be massive. CRISPR Genetic Modifying Stepping away from 5G, the next essential technology I anticipate in 2021 is CRISPR genetic modifying. It's one of the most interesting developments in biotechnology.