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Emma Walsh here, handling editor of the Journal. Routine Diary readers know that tech isn't our typical beat. And when it concerns tech investing, we leave it to the specialists. The good news is, we have a number of such experts in our Rolodex. Our associate Jeff Brown will be familiar to our longtime readers.
In fact, he had a number of triple-digit returns in his Brownstone Research study portfolios last year. Here's what Jeff thinks the tech sector will bring us in 2021 Each year, I like to take a look at the big photo and predict what's just around the corner. Long time readers of my work know that I follow the most amazing tech patterns on the edge of mass adoption.
These patterns are experiencing rapid development and developing extraordinary chances for investors. I wish to make certain all our readers are prepared for what's next. And with that in mind, let me draw the picture of what I see being available in the next 12 months 1. 5G Devices Our new 5G (fifth-generation) cordless networks are a topic I've been covering for years now.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted supply chains in 2015, an outstanding 250 million 5G-enabled devices were still sold. Specifically in the 2nd quarter, there were supply chain interruptions, manufacturing hold-ups, and work stoppages. And all of this ultimately resulted in Apple delaying the release of the 5G-enabled i, Phone 12 by 2 months.
And that need is now going to be pressed into 2021. I forecast that more than 500 million 5G devices will be shipped in 2021.
Phase Three of 5G When I've talked about 5G in the past, I have actually explained its three different phases. In Phase One, the facilities of these new networks is built out, including all the new towers and fiber-optic circuitry that 5G will require. In Phase 2, 5G devices go on sale.
And in Phase Three, 5G services begin to be offered. That's when we start to see applications operating on 5G networks. Think about things like huge multiplayer video games over a mobile phone. That's not possible with 4G. It will be with 5G. And my second 5G prediction for 2021 is that we will begin Phase Three by this summer.
However they will care if there are amazing applications that can just be accessed with a 5G phone. So increasingly more customers will go out to purchase a 5G phone to gain access to these applications. That leads to more 5G apps being developed. In fact, 5G is going to open up a suite of unbelievable applications: self-driving automobiles, the Internet of Things, robotic surgery, and more.
The financial investment chances going forward will be enormous. CRISPR Genetic Editing Stepping away from 5G, the next important innovation I anticipate in 2021 is CRISPR hereditary editing. It's one of the most amazing developments in biotechnology.