Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 platform at Snapdragon Summit 2026. The new platform is aimed at the next generation of audio wearables and puts a bigger focus on on-device AI, connectivity and power efficiency.
The platform combines Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound audio technologies with on-device AI and micro-power Wi-Fi 6E. It can also connect to cloud-based services, opening up the possibility of more AI-powered features on devices such as earbuds, headphones, open-ear audio products, audio glasses and camera-equipped earbuds.
Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 Features
Qualcomm says the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 is its first platform built specifically to bring together premium audio, voice capabilities, on-device intelligence and connectivity for what it calls agent-powered experiences.
That could translate into features such as real-time translation, contextual assistance and personalised hearing. The platform is also designed for multimodal experiences, where audio, camera input and AI can work together.
There is a performance and efficiency upgrade as well. Qualcomm claims the new platform offers twice the AI capability of the Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound. Despite this increase, the company says it consumes up to 40 percent less power and has a 30 percent smaller footprint than its predecessor.
For audio, the platform supports aptX Lossless and Qualcomm XPAN, along with fifth-generation Qualcomm ANC and cVc technology. It also supports more advanced multi-microphone setups.
Qualcomm is introducing its Snapdragon Audio Sense Solution alongside the platform. The system combines microphones and software algorithms to help compatible wearables pick up voices and sounds from the surrounding environment.
Wi-Fi 6E And Cloud-Based AI
The Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 also brings micro-power Wi-Fi 6E to Qualcomm's audio platform. The company says its Sound Apps & Agents technology can use this connectivity to give compatible devices direct access to cloud-based AI assistants, services and content.
This means future earbuds and other audio wearables could handle more AI-based tasks without having to depend entirely on a smartphone for connectivity.
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The platform is not limited to conventional earbuds and headphones. Qualcomm says it is designed for earbuds, headphones, open-ear and hybrid audio products, camera-enabled earbuds and audio glasses.
To help manufacturers get started, Qualcomm is also providing reference designs based on the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2. These are intended to help companies develop and eventually commercialise new wearable audio products using the platform.