AI-Native 6G: A Paradigm Shift from Enabling Connectivity to Value Realization

Xianbin Wang; Zhang Liu; Minghui Liwang; Yongxu Zhu; Shi Jin; Zhu Han

doi:10.1016/j.eng.2026.10.008

Engineering ›› :202610008 DOI: 10.1016/j.eng.2026.10.008

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AI-Native 6G: A Paradigm Shift from Enabling Connectivity to Value Realization

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Abstract

Recent generations of mobile communication systems, particularly the sixth-generation (6G) networks, have become increasingly integrated with artificial intelligence (AI). In this context, AI-native 6G has been investigated from several complementary perspectives, including semantic communications, goal-oriented communications, and agentic communications. While these aspects are essential, they represent only intermediate steps toward the ultimate objective of future intelligent systems enabled by 6G. This commentary argues that the primary role of AI-native 6G should evolve from enabling communications to fulfilling application-specific needs and realizing the goals and value of diverse systems. Due to the dramatically increased complexity of network and application dynamics, achieving this in 6G-enabled systems will rely on embedding intelligence into future network architectures, operational procedures, and collaboration among networked entities. Specifically, we present a value-centric vision in which 6G serves as an AI-native platform that integrates communication, computing, sensing, and physical capabilities to achieve system-level goals. Furthermore, we identify three key autonomous goal-fulfillment and value-realization directions: defining system-level goals through multimodal sensing and cross-domain inference; AI- and trust-native collaborative system operation; and value-centric multidimensional resource orchestration for heterogeneous service provisioning.

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Xianbin Wang, Zhang Liu, Minghui Liwang, Yongxu Zhu, Shi Jin, Zhu Han. AI-Native 6G: A Paradigm Shift from Enabling Connectivity to Value Realization. Engineering 202610008 DOI:10.1016/j.eng.2026.10.008

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