Qualcomm’s new ‘Elite’ sound chip might finally deliver the Wi-Fi earbud dream
Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 integrates a “micro‑power” Wi‑Fi 6E radio directly onto the audio SoC, removing the need for a dedicated Wi‑Fi chip that hampered earlier attempts. The new silicon is roughly 30 % smaller than its predecessor, draws up to 40 % less energy, and doubles on‑chip AI processing capacity. Qualcomm says these gains enable true 24‑bit/96 kHz lossless streams over a home Wi‑Fi network, even when the source device is out of Bluetooth range. The company has already lined up HP for an unnamed product, is collaborating with Bose, and is co‑developing camera‑enabled “intelligent hearables” with Cleer.
The announcement revisits Qualcomm’s 2023 S7 Pro platform, which introduced the Expanded Personal Area Network (XPAN) concept but required a separate Wi‑Fi module—a compromise that limited OEM uptake. Only Xiaomi’s 2025 Buds 5 Pro ever showcased XPAN, and it never reached a global market. By folding Wi‑Fi onto the main chip, Qualcomm hopes to overcome the size‑and‑cost barrier that has kept Wi‑Fi earbuds niche. This move pits the Snapdragon Sound Elite against competing audio solutions that rely on Bluetooth LE Audio, Apple’s H2 chip, and emerging ultra‑low‑latency codecs, all while the broader hearable market is adding sensors, voice assistants, and even cameras to differentiate products.
If HP’s forthcoming device ships with the Elite chip, it could serve as a proof point that Wi‑Fi‑enabled earbuds are commercially viable. The power savings are crucial; earbuds typically have sub‑50 mAh cells, so a 40 % reduction may translate into several extra minutes of high‑bandwidth streaming. However, manufacturers must still manage the added complexity of Wi‑Fi 6E firmware, ensure seamless handoff from Bluetooth to Wi‑Fi, and justify any price premium to consumers. Watch for HP’s launch timeline, Bose’s integration strategy, and whether other OEMs adopt the chip once the ecosystem of Wi‑Fi‑enabled audio apps matures.
Key Takeaways
Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 embeds Wi‑Fi 6E, eliminating the separate chip that stalled earlier Wi‑Fi earbud attempts.
The chip’s 30 % size reduction and 40 % power cut make lossless streaming plausible in true‑wireless form factors.
Qualcomm’s current partners—HP, Bose, and Cleer—signal a push toward “intelligent hearables” that combine audio with additional sensors like cameras.
Market acceptance will hinge on the first products’ launch dates, pricing, and the ability to manage Wi‑Fi firmware complexity in ultra‑small devices.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by The Verge. Here is a short excerpt for context:
What if your wireless earbuds - or audio glasses - could stream high-quality lossless audio that doesn't cut out when you leave your phone on the bedside charger or buried in the couch? Qualcomm's new Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 is its first to integrate "micro-power Wi-Fi 6E" right into the chip, so they can connect directly to your home Wi-Fi network, and from there to the cloud. If that sounds like a familiar promise, it's probably because Qualcomm promised something similar back in 2023 with the "S7 Pro sound platform" and its Expanded Personal Area Network (XPAN) tech, saying that Wi-Fi earbuds can do what Bluetooth alone cannot. Name … Read the full story at The Verge.Read the original at The Verge
