# Qualcomm announces Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 chipset for audio wearables

Digest AI · Hardware & Compute · published 2026-09-24T04:00:14Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/qualcomm-announces-snapdragon-sound-elite-gen-2-chipset-for-audio-wear

## Summary

Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2, the second generation of its Snapdragon Sound Elite line, as a chipset aimed at audio wearables, or “hearables.” The company says the SoC can deliver up to 2 × greater on‑device AI performance while cutting power consumption by up to 40 % compared with the prior generation. In addition to classic audio features such as aptX and XPAN, the chip adds Wi‑Fi 6E, a 5th‑generation ANC protocol and the ability to run contextual image‑recognition models for camera‑equipped earbuds.

Qualcomm envisions the silicon powering traditional earbuds, open‑ear hybrid designs, audio glasses, and future multimodal wearables that combine sound with vision. The lower power draw should let devices charge less often, and the on‑device AI capability lets Android XR products process real‑world surroundings without relying on constant cloud connectivity. No specific product roadmaps were disclosed, but Qualcomm expects OEMs to integrate the chipset as new wearables reach the market.

## Key points

- Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 delivers up to 2 × greater on‑device AI performance for audio wearables.
- Power consumption is claimed to be up to 40 % lower than the previous Snapdragon Sound Elite generation.
- Chip includes Wi‑Fi 6E, aptX, XPAN and supports camera‑enabled earbuds, audio glasses and multimodal wearables.

## Why it matters

Higher on‑device AI and lower power enable hearable makers to add features like local image recognition and longer battery life, accelerating the shift to truly smart, multimodal wearables.

## Sources

1. [Qualcomm announces the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 for audio wearables, with up to 2x greater on-device AI performance and up to 40% lower power consumption](https://9to5google.com/2026/09/23/qualcomm-announces-snapdragon-sound-elite-gen-2) (9to5google.com, 2026-09-24)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Qualcomm announces Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 chipset for audio wearables", 24 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/qualcomm-announces-snapdragon-sound-elite-gen-2-chipset-for-audio-wear

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