Qualcomm launches Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 AI-focused Android chipsets
Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 family of Android chipsets, built on TSMC’s 2‑nanometer process. The line includes a standard version and an "Extreme" variant that can run on‑device AI models up to 30 billion parameters. Qualcomm says the chips will appear in premium phones from Motorola, Xiaomi and ZTE and are positioned as AI hubs that handle tasks locally without cloud reliance.
Key points
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 built on TSMC 2‑nm process, includes Extreme version for 30 B‑parameter models
- Will be used in premium Motorola, Xiaomi and ZTE smartphones as on‑device AI hubs
- Smartphone shipments expected to fall 14 % in 2026, prompting focus on high‑end, AI‑enabled devices
The launch comes as the smartphone market contracts, with Counterpoint Research projecting a 14 % drop in unit shipments for 2026 and a further 1 % decline in 2027. Qualcomm’s CEO Cristiano Amon described a shift from a "phone‑centric" to an "agentic‑centric" model, emphasizing continuous AI agents running in the background. At the event, Google’s Rick Osterloh noted that the new hardware will let Gemini understand user context such as being in a car. The chipsets combine a CPU, GPU, NPU and added security controls for sensitive data access.
The story so far
2 episodes →- Qualcomm launches Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 AI-focused Android chipsetsthis story
Qualcomm releases Android chip built for AI as memory shortage weighs on smartphone market
CNBC Technology · 22 September 2026
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This text was published by CNBC Technology and written by Kif Leswing. It is reproduced here with attribution so you can read it in full; the rights remain with the publisher. Read it at the source ↗
Coverage and discussion
3sources- Qualcomm launches two new smartphone chips with emphasis on AIPress · TechCrunch AI ·
- Qualcomm Unveils Two Flagship Snapdragon Chips Built for Agentic AIPress · Unite.AI ·
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