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Emma Walsh here, handling editor of the Journal. Regular Diary readers know that tech isn't our typical beat. And when it concerns tech investing, we leave it to the experts. Luckily, we have a number of such experts in our Rolodex. Our colleague Jeff Brown will be familiar to our longtime readers.
In fact, he had numerous 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 an appearance at the big picture and predict what's just around the corner. Long time readers of my work know that I follow the most amazing tech trends on the brink of mass adoption.
These trends are experiencing rapid growth and creating unbelievable chances for financiers. I desire to make sure all our readers are prepared for what's next. And with that in mind, let me draw the image of what I see can be found in the next 12 months 1. 5G Devices Our new 5G (fifth-generation) cordless networks are a topic I have actually been covering for years now.
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic interfered with supply chains last year, an outstanding 250 million 5G-enabled gadgets were still offered. Particularly in the second quarter, there were supply chain disturbances, manufacturing delays, and work interruptions. And all of this eventually led to Apple delaying the release of the 5G-enabled i, Phone 12 by 2 months.
When you consider all of that, selling 250 million systems is amazing. More importantly, the hold-ups caused by the pandemic developed a lots of pent-up demand. And that demand is now going to be pushed into 2021. In reality, I forecast that more than 500 million 5G devices will be shipped in 2021.
Stage 3 of 5G When I've spoken about 5G in the past, I've explained its 3 different phases. In Phase One, the infrastructure of these brand-new networks is built out, consisting of all the new towers and fiber-optic wiring that 5G will require. In Phase Two, 5G gadgets go on sale.
And in Stage Three, 5G services start to be provided. That's when we begin to see applications running on 5G networks. And my second 5G prediction for 2021 is that we will start Stage 3 by this summertime.
But they will care if there are exciting applications that can only be accessed with a 5G phone. So a growing number of consumers will go out to buy a 5G phone to access these applications. That causes more 5G apps being developed. In truth, 5G is going to open a suite of amazing applications: self-driving cars, the Web of Things, robotic surgical treatment, and more.
The financial investment chances going forward will be huge. CRISPR Genetic Editing Stepping away from 5G, the next important innovation I predict in 2021 is CRISPR genetic editing. It's one of the most interesting advancements in biotechnology.