Qualcomm announced two flagship processors, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Elite Extreme Gen 6, emphasizing on-device AI capabilities. The chips support local models up to 200 million parameters and a 30 billion parameter MoE model in the Extreme variant, signaling stronger AI performance in premium smartphones and potential revenue upside from device design wins and higher ASPs.
Qualcomm Ventures led a $70 million round for Ultrahuman, valuing the startup at $365 million. The collaboration will bring Qualcomm silicon to the ring, enabling on-device software and AI features alongside Nordic chips. Near-term catalysts include a September software update, plus the potential for deeper Labcorp ties and a 2028 IPO window for Ultrahuman.
Qualcomm shares climbed about 2-3% as investors weigh its advancing data-center opportunity against rising costs and potential FY2027 earnings pressure from Apple-related revenue declines. Bulls point to two upcoming hyperscaler ASIC programs starting in Q4 that could boost revenue, while bears caution about margin pressure from manufacturing costs and fixed-mobile pricing.
Qualcomm today completed its acquisition of Modular Inc, integrating Modular's AI-native software platform with Qualcomm Technologies' hardware leadership to accelerate generative and agentic AI from edge to cloud. The combined platform targets data centers, edge infrastructure, and personal/industrial AI, while preserving Modular's open ecosystem (Mojo, MAX, Modular Cloud). Chris Lattner becomes EVP of Advanced AI Software and Platforms.
Qualcomm has informed customers it will raise prices by a double-digit percentage due to rising costs, Bloomberg reports citing a client letter. The move could bolster near-term margins if volume holds, but may pose demand risks for OEMs sensitive to cost changes. Investors should watch for any official guidance updates and the actual pass-through effects on device pricing.
A Trefis analysis argues AI is transitioning from data centers to on-device inference, leveraging Qualcomm's power efficiency and connectivity. The AI200 with LPDDR5X may bypass CoWoS bottlenecks, expanding edge AI opportunities across smartphones, autos, and robotics. If revenue grows toward $65B by 2029 with ~25% margins, EPS could near $17, supporting a higher multiple.