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Emma Walsh here, managing editor of the Diary. Routine Journal readers understand that tech isn't our normal beat. And when it concerns tech investing, we leave it to the experts. Fortunately, we have several such professionals in our Rolodex. Our colleague Jeff Brown will be familiar to our longtime readers.
In truth, he had numerous triple-digit returns in his Brownstone Research portfolios in 2015. Here's what Jeff believes the tech sector will bring us in 2021 Each year, I like to take an appearance at the huge photo and predict what's just around the corner. Longtime readers of my work understand that I follow the most interesting tech patterns on the edge of mass adoption.
These trends are experiencing rapid growth and developing unbelievable opportunities for investors. I desire to ensure all our readers are prepared for what's next. And with that in mind, let me draw the picture of what I see coming in the next 12 months 1. 5G Devices Our brand-new 5G (fifth-generation) cordless networks are a subject I've been covering for years now.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic interfered with supply chains in 2015, an impressive 250 million 5G-enabled devices were still offered. Specifically in the second quarter, there were supply chain disruptions, producing hold-ups, and work blockages. And all of this eventually resulted in Apple delaying the release of the 5G-enabled i, Phone 12 by two months.
When you consider all of that, selling 250 million units is remarkable. More significantly, the hold-ups brought on by the pandemic produced a load of bottled-up need. Which demand is now going to be pushed into 2021. In reality, I predict that more than 500 million 5G gadgets will be shipped in 2021.
Phase 3 of 5G When I've talked about 5G in the past, I've explained its 3 various phases. In Stage One, the facilities of these brand-new networks is constructed out, consisting of all the new towers and fiber-optic wiring that 5G will require. In Phase 2, 5G devices go on sale.
And in Stage Three, 5G services begin to be used. That's when we begin to see applications operating on 5G networks. Consider things like massive multiplayer 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 start Stage Three by this summertime.
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 amazing applications: self-driving cars, the Web of Things, robotic surgery, and more.
The investment opportunities going forward will be huge. CRISPR Genetic Editing Stepping away from 5G, the next crucial innovation I foresee in 2021 is CRISPR genetic editing. It's one of the most exciting advancements in biotechnology.