Trending Now - Qualcomm Launches Wi-fi 8 Chip, Plans for 6G by 2029

WHO:

Qualcomm, a technology company

Snapdragon, Qualcomm's mobile processor line

WHAT:

Qualcomm launched the FastConnect 8800 chip, which supports Wi-Fi 8 and Bluetooth 7.

The FastConnect 8800 features a 4×4 radio configuration, enabling peak speeds of up to 11.6 Gbps.

The chip offers up to three times the range of current FastConnect chips.

Qualcomm's X105 5G modem is the company's 5th-generation 5G AI processor.

The X105 modem reduces power consumption by 30% compared to the previous X85 modem and shrinks its footprint by 15%.

Qualcomm plans to launch 6G networks globally starting in 2029.

The company aims to finalize 6G standards and specifications by 2028.

WHERE:

Announcements made at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026.

WHEN:

The FastConnect 8800 chip is expected to launch in consumer products starting in late 2026.

The global rollout of 6G networks is set to begin in 2029.

WHY:

The advancements in connectivity technology aim to enhance performance and support new features like Extended Long Range (ELR) and AI-native services.

HOW:

The FastConnect 8800 chip is built using a 6nm process node.

The chip's 4×4 radio configuration allows for double-digit throughput and improved range.

Bluetooth 7 supports High Data Throughput, increasing speeds from 2 Mbps to 7.5 Mbps.

At Mobile World Congress 2026, Qualcomm announced the launch of its FastConnect 8800 chip, which supports Wi-Fi 8 and Bluetooth 7, boasting peak speeds of up to 11.6 Gbps and three times the range of current models. The company also introduced its X105 5G modem, which reduces power consumption by 30% and shrinks in size, while outlining plans to roll out 6G networks globally starting in 2029, with standards expected to be finalized by 2028. The FastConnect 8800 chip is set to hit consumer products in late 2026, enhancing connectivity with features like Extended Long Range and AI-native services.