Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 integrates Wi‑Fi 6E for earbuds

Qualcomm has unveiled its Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2, a new audio chip that incorporates micro‑power Wi‑Fi 6E directly into the processor. The integration allows wireless earbuds or audio glasses to connect straight to a home Wi‑Fi network and stream high‑quality lossless audio without interruption when the paired phone is left on a bedside charger or out of range.

The Elite Gen 2 follows Qualcomm’s earlier 2023 promise of Wi‑Fi‑enabled earbuds with its S7 Pro sound platform and Expanded Personal Area Network (XPAN) technology, which aimed to deliver performance beyond what Bluetooth alone can provide. The new chip marks the first time Qualcomm has embedded Wi‑Fi 6E into its sound platform, potentially realizing the long‑awaited Wi‑Fi earbud experience.