Qualcomm is preparing the next wave of smartphones and connected devices for faster wireless technologies, announcing new platforms that bring Wi-Fi 8, Bluetooth 7, and 5G Advanced closer to commercial reality.
At MWC 2026, the company unveiled its FastConnect 8800 mobile connectivity system alongside a new lineup of Dragonwing Wi-Fi 8 networking platforms, while separately introducing the Qualcomm X105 5G Modem-RF system aimed at powering the next phase of cellular networks.
Together, these announcements highlight how Qualcomm is evolving device connectivity to handle higher speeds, longer wireless range, and increasingly AI-driven network workloads.
Wi-Fi 8: faster speeds and AI-optimized networks
Qualcomm’s Wi-Fi 8 push is led by the FastConnect 8800 Mobile Connectivity System, which the company says is the first mobile solution with a 4×4 Wi-Fi radio configuration capable of delivering peak wireless speeds above 10 Gbps.
Qualcomm claims the new platform can offer up to twice the performance of Wi-Fi 7 and extend gigabit wireless range by as much as three times. The chip combines multiple wireless technologies in a single solution, supporting Wi-Fi 8, Bluetooth 7.0, Ultra Wideband (UWB), and Thread 1.5.
Qualcomm also introduced Proximity AI, which uses Wi-Fi ranging, Bluetooth channel sounding, and UWB sensing to detect nearby devices with centimeter-level accuracy.
Bluetooth 7: faster data transfers
FastConnect 8800 also introduces Bluetooth 7 support with Bluetooth High Data Throughput (HDT) technology.
Qualcomm says this increases Bluetooth data speeds from 2 Mbps to 7.5 Mbps, enabling faster wireless file transfers and more demanding applications such as high-quality audio streaming and spatial computing experiences.
Bluetooth also works alongside Wi-Fi and UWB in Qualcomm’s proximity sensing system, allowing devices to locate nearby objects or accessories more precisely.
5G Advanced: Qualcomm’s next modem
On the cellular side, Qualcomm introduced the X105 5G Modem-RF system, designed for the upcoming 5G Advanced phase of mobile networks. The modem supports peak download speeds of up to 14.8 Gbps and uploads of up to 4.2 Gbps, while supporting the latest cellular standards.
The modem also integrates Qualcomm’s fifth-generation AI processor for wireless connectivity, which analyzes network conditions in real-time to improve signal performance, reliability, and power efficiency.
It also supports satellite connectivity through non-terrestrial networks, enabling devices to maintain connectivity when traditional cellular coverage is unavailable.
Qualcomm also announced its Snapdragon Wear Elite platform for next-generation AI wearables at MWC 2026. Commercial devices using these new connectivity platforms are expected to begin appearing from late 2026, as manufacturers adopt the next generation of wireless standards.
