• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Qualcomm is already prepping itself for the next leap forward in connectivity. At Snapdragon Summit 2025 in Maui, CEO Cristiano Amon revealed that testing of 6G pre-commercial devices will start within 2 years – two years earlier than originally projected! It marks Qualcomm's early entrance into 5G, which began two years ahead of schedule!

Amon also stressed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping Snapdragon's future and how devices work and interact with users – from phones and PCs to wearables and beyond, Qualcomm is committed to using AI as part of their vision: AI will soon be everywhere!

6G Testing to Begin in 2028

Amon cited Qualcomm as leading the charge when it comes to 6G development and deployment, with commercial rollouts expected soon after testing is completed. He pointed to Qualcomm's experience launching 5G technology early this year as setting an example for the swift introduction of 6G networks ahead of expectations.

ALSO READ: Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme Announced: PC Chips Built To Beat Intel And AMD

Qualcomm stands to gain immensely from this move, as they lead in creating next-generation wireless technology that promises ultra-fast speeds, lower latency levels, and vast Internet of Things scalability.

AI as the New User Interface

Amon's keynote stressed how AI will soon no longer simply be an add-on feature; rather it will become the primary user interface. He imagined a future where all connected devices serve as intelligent agents capable of handling daily tasks like scheduling reminders and financial alerts in coordination with smartphone users' smartphone notifications.

“We are going to bring AI everywhere, leading the next generation of innovation,” Amon said.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and X2 Elite Debut

The Summit also marked the launch of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile platform and the Snapdragon X2 Elite PC platform. Both chips promise:

- Stronger AI capabilities with edge and cloud synergy

- Better efficiency powered by next-gen 3nm architecture

- Improved performance for both consumers and creators

These platforms will roll out across next-gen Android flagships and Windows laptops in 2026.

Adobe and Google Join Qualcomm’s AI Push

Two of Qualcomm’s closest partners took the stage to highlight collaboration:

- Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen revealed that Firefly models are being fine-tuned for personalised AI creativity on Qualcomm devices, giving users the ability to generate content in their unique style.

- Google’s Rick Osterloh announced deeper integration of Gemini models and Assistant into PCs, narrowing the gap between smartphones and computers.

ALSO READ: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Announced: Most Powerful Mobile Chip Yet

Edge-Based AI Models: Qualcomm’s Strategy

Amon also detailed Qualcomm's tiered AI model strategy. Instead of solely relying on cloud-based training, Qualcomm envisions edge models which adapt and learn locally on devices while drawing insights from the cloud simultaneously - creating real-time intelligence while protecting privacy.

What This Means for the Future

The message from Maui is clear: 6G and AI are the twin pillars of Qualcomm’s roadmap. With 6G testing slated for 2028 and AI deeply integrated into every device category, Qualcomm is positioning itself to lead the next era of connected intelligence.