On-device AI, advanced performance, and XR technologies unite to deliver a seamless connected experience
Qualcomm Technologies and Samsung Electronics are expanding their long-standing collaboration by bringing Snapdragon platforms across Samsung's latest Galaxy device lineup, extending artificial intelligence beyond smartphones to smartwatches and intelligent eyewear as part of a connected Galaxy AI ecosystem.
At Samsung Unpacked, Qualcomm Technologies announced that the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, Snapdragon® Wear Elite Platform, and Snapdragon® AR1 Gen 1 will power Samsung's newest Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Watch9, Galaxy Watch Ultra2, and Samsung's next-generation intelligent eyewear.
The expanded partnership reflects both companies' strategy of creating a unified AI experience across multiple device categories. By combining powerful on-device processing with seamless cross-device connectivity, Snapdragon platforms enable context-aware, agentic AI experiences that adapt to users' daily activities, work, and creativity in real time.
Samsung's latest foldable smartphones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, a custom platform built on Qualcomm's Oryon CPU architecture. The processor delivers industry-leading mobile CPU performance alongside advanced graphics capabilities and a next-generation neural processing unit (NPU), enabling faster AI processing while maintaining exceptional power efficiency.
The platform also enhances intelligent photography, immersive mobile gaming, AI-assisted connectivity, and personalized Galaxy AI features, providing faster and more intuitive interactions on the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8.
In the wearable segment, Snapdragon Wear Elite makes its debut in Samsung smartwatches with the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2. The platform integrates advanced sensor fusion technologies, high-performance computing, and enhanced connectivity to deliver more personalized health insights and AI-powered wellness experiences.
By continuously analyzing biometric and activity data, the watches can better understand users' daily routines and provide proactive health guidance while maintaining seamless integration with the broader Galaxy ecosystem.
The partnership also extends into the Android XR ecosystem. Qualcomm, Samsung, and Google are expanding their collaboration beyond XR headsets with the introduction of intelligent eyewear powered by Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1.
During Samsung Unpacked, Gentle Monster and Warby Parker unveiled two new smart eyewear designs from their upcoming collections scheduled for release this fall. Powered by Snapdragon, the devices are designed to support advanced on-device AI, contextual awareness, and real-time assistance, reflecting growing momentum in the emerging intelligent eyewear market.
"AI is entering a new era where it is becoming deeply embedded in personal devices," said Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated. "With Snapdragon powering the latest Galaxy smartphones, smartwatches, and intelligent eyewear, Qualcomm and Samsung are delivering more natural, context-aware on-device AI experiences across the Galaxy ecosystem. We are proud to continue building the next generation of mobile innovation together, building on more than three decades of collaboration."
Choi Won-Joon, Executive Vice President, Head of R&D Office and Chief Operating Officer of Samsung Electronics' Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, said, "Our new Galaxy lineup is the result of close engineering collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies. By optimizing Snapdragon platforms for each Galaxy form factor, we have achieved the performance and power efficiency required to unlock the full potential of Galaxy AI. This enables users to enjoy a consistent premium Galaxy experience across smartphones, smartwatches, and smart glasses."
