Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) capped a busy week with new AI-focused Snapdragon chips, an extended patent agreement with Apple and expanded partnerships, while CEO Cristiano Amon outlined how autonomous agents could reshape smartphones.
Qualcomm Deepens Premium AI Push
At its Snapdragon Summit, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and higher-end Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 for premium Android smartphones.
The processors emphasize on-device AI. Their sensing hubs can run models with up to 200 million parameters, enabling functions such as personal transcription, speaker recognition and activity-based memory.
The Extreme version can locally run a 30-billion-parameter mixture-of-experts model, while Qualcomm also introduced an AI coprocessor that applies technology from its emerging data-center business to smartphones.
Qualcomm is positioning the chips against Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) A20 Pro while using Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.’s (NYSE:TSM) advanced manufacturing technology.
Nine smartphone manufacturers have committed to the new chipsets, including Motorola and Xiaomi. Microsoft also showcased two Snapdragon-powered Surface PCs, while Lenovo demonstrated another Snapdragon PC. Alphabet highlighted Google laptops using Snapdragon with Gemini capabilities.
Apple Extends Qualcomm Patent Agreement
Qualcomm also renewed its global patent license agreement with Apple, effective April 1, 2027.
The agreement comes as Qualcomm works to diversify beyond smartphones while maintaining its relationship with one of the industry’s largest device makers.
Amon Sees AI Agents Reshaping Phones
Amon told CNBC on Wednesday that the industry now has greater clarity on what an AI smartphone should become. He expects agents to operate apps, connect with cloud services and complete tasks for users without requiring constant manual interaction.
That creates new challenges around computing power and battery life. Amon said Qualcomm must design chips that let phones keep working when users are not actively operating them while supporting more AI at the edge.
He identified trust and low friction as essential for adoption and said some companies already want models with 100 billion parameters running directly on devices.
Amon also said premium smartphones have remained more resilient despite higher memory prices. He expects AI capabilities and growing interest in foldables to support the next phase of flagship smartphone development.
Top ETF Exposure
- Tema Global Royalties ETF (NASDAQ:ROYA): 5.25% Weight
- First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:FTXL): 6.71% Weight
- VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SMHX): 4.99% Weight
Significance: Because QCOM carries such a heavy weight in these funds, any significant inflows or outflows for these ETFs will likely force automatic buying or selling of the stock.
Price Action
QCOM Stock Price Activity: Qualcomm shares were up 5.69% at $205.32 at the time of publication on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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