Qualcomm Technologies announced the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform in Barcelona at Mobile World Congress. The platform targets personal AI devices across form factors such as watches, pins, pendants, and others, enabling on-device AI processing and personalized interactions.
It is described as the first NPU-powered wearable platform with an integrated Qualcomm Hexagon NPU supporting up to billion-parameter models at the edge. The platform operates across WearOS by Google, Android, and Linux, and includes advanced sensor fusion, high-performance low-power connectivity, and computing capabilities for context-aware recommendations, natural voice interactions, life logging, and AI agents that perform actions and orchestrate tasks.
Performance improvements include 5x single-core CPU gains and up to 7x faster GPU compared to the previous generation, enabling faster app launching, multitasking, and rendering. It supports multi-day battery life with 30% longer day-of-use time and rapid charging to 50% in approximately 10 minutes.
Connectivity features a multi-mode architecture with 5G RedCap for low-power cellular, Micro-Power Wi-Fi for always-on connectivity, Bluetooth 6.0 for proximity-aware interactions, UWB for precise secure proximity functions, GNSS for location context, and NB-NTN for satellite-based two-way messaging in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, in collaboration with partners including Skylo.
The platform is supported by partners including Google, Motorola, and Samsung. Bjørn Kilburn, GM of Wear OS by Google, stated that it delivers performance, battery life, and connectivity for next-generation Wear OS. Francois LaFlamme, VP and Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Motorola, noted its role in exploring personal intelligence concepts like Project Maxwell. InKang Song, EVP and Head of Technology Strategy Team at Samsung MX Business, highlighted its integration for next-generation Galaxy Watch as a wellness companion.
First commercial devices powered by Snapdragon Wear Elite are expected in the coming months. Demonstrations are available at Qualcomm Booth 3E10 in Hall 3 at Fira Gran Via during MWC Barcelona. More details are on the Snapdragon Wear Elite webpage and product brief.
