A breakthrough in audio technology is on the horizon as Qualcomm unveils its Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 chip, which may finally bring uninterrupted, high-quality audio streaming to wireless earbuds and audio glasses. Unlike previous endeavors, this new chip incorporates “micro-power Wi-Fi 6E,” enabling headphones to connect directly to a home Wi-Fi network, thus facilitating a seamless connection to the cloud.
Advancements in Audio Streaming
This innovation builds on Qualcomm’s earlier 2023 launch of the S7 Pro sound platform and its Expanded Personal Area Network (XPAN) technology. These earlier efforts aimed to surpass Bluetooth’s limitations, promising 24-bit 96kHz lossless audio, a feat previously unattainable due to Bluetooth’s restricted bandwidth. However, the need for an additional Wi-Fi chip hindered widespread adoption, with only Xiaomi’s 2025 Buds 5 Pro implementing the technology, and even then, lacking a global market presence.
Streamlined Design and Enhanced Functionality
The new Elite chip stands out by eliminating the necessity for a separate Wi-Fi chip significantly. It is also 30 percent smaller, consumes up to 40 percent less power, and boasts double the AI processing capabilities compared to its predecessor. These improvements may incentivize manufacturers of compact devices to incorporate this enhanced technology into their products.
Industry Partnerships
Qualcomm has announced collaborations with leading audio companies to implement this new technology. The company is working with HP on an unspecified product, closely with Bose, and exploring “intelligent hearables” with Cleer, which could involve integrating cameras into earbuds.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theverge.com.