GCF report highlights growth in manufacturers undergoing device certification, with a record number of 106
GCF’s Device Technology Trends Report also shows strong growth in wireless module and automotive device certifications in 2025
London (United Kingdom), 24 February 2026
The Global Certification Forum (GCF) has published its annual Device Technology Trends Report 2026, providing insights into product certifications completed during 2025. By analysing certification data, the report reveals key trends shaping the future of standards-based connectivity for Consumer, IoT and Mission Critical devices and services.
GCF’s certification process ensures devices and MCS clients conform to industry standards and can interoperate seamlessly across global networks.
Key findings from this year’s report include:
- Record number of manufacturers - In 2025, there were 106 manufacturers undergoing certification of at least one product with GCF. This is up from 90 in 2024 and represents an all-time record for GCF Certification.
- Device certification growth - the number of devices certified at GCF rose to 674, up significantly from 574 in 2024 (a 17% increase), mainly due to an increase in the number of certified wireless modules (up from 209 to 291 devices) and automotive devices (up from 15 to 42 devices).
- Modules growth - Wireless modules represented 43.2% of total certifications in 2025, significantly growing their slight lead from last year over smartphones (which made up 30.7% in 2025) as the most certified product category. The number of module manufacturers that certified devices also grew, reaching 34 in 2025 (up from 25 in 2024).
- 5G expansion continues - 5G is now present in almost five of every ten certified devices – including more than seven of every ten certified smartphones, and nearly three of every ten modules. Almost all 5G devices supported 5G SA (Standalone), and the number of supported frequency bands and Carrier Aggregation combinations continued to grow at a healthy pace. There was also a significant growth in the certification of 5G NR Light (5G RedCap) devices.
- eSIM growth - During 2025, 107 smartphone models and 199 devices in total certified RSP capability for Consumer eSIM, reaching a record number.
- Mission Critical Services (MCS) - the number of Mission Critical Oriented Manufacturers and Operators (MCCOs) has grown significantly, paving the way for future growth following the activation of mission critical broadband networks in many countries.
“This year’s Device Technology Trends Report shows how the expansion of GCF certification into the mobile industries continues with a record number of manufacturers certifying devices,” said Lars Nielsen, CEO at GCF. “We’re also seeing signs of the adoption of GCF certification across a broad range of new technologies, including 5G RedCap, NTN NB-IoT, eSIM, and Mission Critical Services.”
The report also explores a broad variety of other emerging trends expected to shape the industry in the years ahead, and provides an update on the progress of 5G, LTE, eSIM, NTN and other technologies.
For more insights, you can download the full report at: https://www.globalcertificationforum.org/news/downloads.html
About GCF
Since 1999 the Global Certification Forum (GCF) has been leading the global ecosystem facilitating interoperable devices, networks, and services, enabling reliable and secure wireless communications. GCF’s solutions cover 5G NR, LTE, Cellular IoT (NB-IoT, eMTC and 5G RedCap), eSIM, NTN, MCS and legacy technologies. GCF has over 300 members, including major and smaller operators and service providers, all major device and IoT manufacturers, and the test industry, working together with key industry partners on certification programmes demanded by the market. www.globalcertificationforum.org
Editorial contacts
Carsten Otte (Pretzl)
+49 (0) 4181 968098-80
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