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 introduced its FastConnect 8800 mobile connectivity system along with a new range of Dragonwing Wi-Fi 8 network platforms and separately introduced the Qualcomm X105 5G Modem-RF system designed to power the next phase of mobile networks.
Taken 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 of over 10 Gbps.
Qualcomm claims the new platform can offer up to twice the performance of Wi-Fi 7 and extend gigabit wireless range by three times. The chip combines multiple wireless technologies into a single solution and supports 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 probing and UWB detection to detect nearby devices with centimeter accuracy.
Bluetooth 7: faster data transfers
FastConnect 8800 also offers Bluetooth 7 support with Bluetooth High Data Throughput (HDT) technology.
According to Qualcomm, 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.
In addition to Wi-Fi and UWB, Bluetooth also works in Qualcomm’s proximity detection system, allowing devices to more precisely locate nearby objects or accessories.
5G Advanced: Qualcomm’s next modem
In the mobile sector, Qualcomm introduced the X105 5G Modem-RF system, designed for the upcoming 5G Advanced phase of mobile networks. The modem supports maximum download speeds of up to 14.8 Gbit/s and uploads of up to 4.2 Gbit/s 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 over non-terrestrial networks, allowing 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 leveraging these new connectivity platforms are expected to hit the market starting in late 2026 as manufacturers roll out the next generation of wireless standards.
