Qualcomm announces the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 for audio wearables, with up to 2x greater on-device AI performance and up to 40% lower power consumption

Your earbuds will offer significantly better AI features and last longer on a single charge.

Qualcomm has launched the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2, a new chipset designed for audio wearables, or "hearables." This new SoC significantly enhances on-device AI performance, offering up to double the capability of its predecessor, while simultaneously reducing power consumption by up to 40%. The Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 supports advanced features like contextual image recognition for camera-equipped earbuds and integration with AI models, both local and cloud-based, through Wi-Fi 6E. Qualcomm also emphasizes continued high-quality audio with aptX and XPAN, alongside enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) using its 5th-generation protocol. The chipset is poised to power a range of devices beyond traditional earbuds and headphones, including open-ear designs, audio glasses, and multimodal wearables, potentially fueling the development of Android XR devices and other AI-centric gadgets.

The Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 signals a strategic shift by Qualcomm to integrate more advanced AI processing directly into audio wearables. This move anticipates the growing demand for context-aware devices that can interpret real-world information, such as through cameras, and process it locally for faster, more private interactions. The combination of improved AI capabilities and reduced power consumption is key to enabling sophisticated applications on small, battery-powered form factors, potentially accelerating the adoption of truly intelligent hearable technology.

This development directly impacts the roadmap for audio device manufacturers and the future capabilities of consumer electronics. By providing a more powerful and efficient platform, Qualcomm is enabling OEMs to innovate beyond traditional audio functions, pushing into areas like augmented reality assistance and advanced environmental sensing. As these devices become more capable and energy-efficient, consumers can expect a new generation of wearables that are not only for listening but also for interacting with and understanding their surroundings.