Two new Snapdragon mobile platforms, revealed by Qualcomm, a semiconductor and telecommunications equipment company, focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and fifth-generation networks (5G). The company plans to lead the AI and 5G markets next year.
During the annual Snapdragon Tech Summit, the U.S. chipmaker unveiled the flagship Snapdragon 865 and the lower-end 765. The summit began on Tuesday and lasted for three days in Hawaii.
Cristiano Amon, president of Qualcomm Incorporated, announced during his keynote speech, “5G will open new and exciting opportunities to connect, compute and communicate in ways we’ve yet to imagine, and we are happy to be a key player driving the adoption of 5G around the world.”
He added, “Our Snapdragon 5G mobile platforms announced today will continue to show leadership in the industry and deliver on the promise of scaling 5G in 2020.”
The Snapdragon 865 mobile platform includes the Snapdragon X55 5G modem-RF system and designed to provide “unmatched connectivity and performance.” The company featured the Snapdragon 765 with integrated AI processing, select Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming experiences and 5G connectivity.
Next year’s Android-based smartphones will boast the new components displaying confidence about its lead in the global 5G market, the firm said.
However, according to industry officials, Apple‘s plans to develop its 5G modem and to integrate it in its iPhones by 2022 could put a halt on Qualcomm’s plans.
The two tech giants already have tension between them as they were in a big legal battle over Qualcomm’s patent licensing practices.
Their fight ended in April after lasting for two years with a settlement that involved an agreement for Qualcomm to supply Apple with components for several years.
Under the agreement, Qualcomm will supply the necessary modem for the new 5G iPhone next year.
Meanwhile, Apple still plans on building its 5G modem for its iPhone after acquiring early this year Intel’s 5G modem business.
A Seoul-based telecommunications company official stated, “If Apple’s plans to succeed, Qualcomm will eventually lose one of its major customers, and at the same time, will have a formidable competitor in the 5G market.”
