Qualcomm Unveils X85 5G Modem with AI Enhancements, Challenging Apple's C1

Qualcomm Claims New X85 Modem Creates 'Huge Delta' in Performance Versus Apple

Qualcomm believes its latest X85 5G modem will set a "huge delta" between the performance of high-end Android devices and Apple devices, largely thanks to its AI-powered features. Announced at this year's ongoing Mobile World Conference 2025 in Barcelona, Qualcomm's next-generation X85 modem supports 5G mmWave, 400MHz download bandwidth in the Sub-6GHz spectrum with 1024-QAM modulation for better data speeds, and Satellite connectivity. The X85 can deliver peak download speeds of up to 12.5Gbps and peak upload speeds of up to 3.7Gbps, according to Qualcomm. In addition, the modem can combine multiple frequencies from different carriers to deliver better performance. In terms of AI features, its AI-powered Data Traffic Engine is said to be able to reduce latency and improve speed and efficiency. "It's the first modem that has so much AI, it actually increases the range of performance of the modem so the modem can deal with weaker signals," Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon told CNBC. "What that will do will set a huge delta between the performance of premium Android devices, and iOS devices, when you compare what Qualcomm can do versus what Apple is doing." Apple claims its new C1 modem, which recently debuted in the entry-level iPhone 16e, is the most power-efficient iPhone modem ever, contributing to the iPhone 16e having the longest battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone ever. The company also says the C1 is up to 25% more power efficient than Qualcomm modems in other iPhones. Third-party scientific testing appears to back up Apple's claims. The C1 modem lacks support for ultra-fast mmWave 5G technology. This means users won't have access to the exceptionally fast speeds that mmWave technology can provide in specific locations such as stadiums, airports, and dense urban areas. However, Apple says the C1 is just the "start" and that it is going to keep improving the technology with each successive generation. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said the iPhone 17 Air will also be equipped with the C1 modem.

Qualcomm CEO Does Not Feel Threatened By Apple's C1 Modem, Says Its Snapdragon X85 Will Create A Huge Performance Delta And There Will Always Be A Place For Its Technology

The Snapdragon X85 is Qualcomm's newest entrant of the company's top-end 5G modems, and it leverages AI to not just boost signal strength but also to reach unparalleled downlink speeds of 12.5Gbps. The latest release certainly delivers a large performance gap when compared with Apple's custom C1 5G modem, which is why Qualcomm's CEO, Christiano Amon, does not feel threatened by its rival's efforts. In fact, the Chief Executive states that regarding modems, the San Diego firm will always share some relevance or the other. Speaking with CNBC, Amon believes that the combination of artificial intelligence and raw performance allows the Snapdragon X85 to command a dominating position, creating a delta between Apple's devices and those running Android. However, Amon has not yet commented on the company's flagship modem's efficiency, which is likely what gives the C1 the edge. With Apple's modem and transceiver are mass produced on TSMC's 4nm and 7nm technologies, making it one of the reasons Apple's iPhone 16e is marketed to deliver better battery life than any other 6.1-inch iPhone. "It's the first modem that has so much AI, it actually increases the range of performance of the modem so the modem can deal with weaker signals. What that will do will set a huge delta between the performance of premium Android devices, and iOS devices, when you compare what Qualcomm can do versus what Apple is doing." Qualcomm's CEO also believes that the company has established such a strong foothold in this category that its name will always carry importance regarding next-generation modems. The firm had estimated to stop supplying Apple with 5G modems in 2027, but Qualcomm likely has a roadmap planned for how it aims to offset those losses. Bear in mind that there is still a massive client list on the Android side that continues to rely on these modems. "If modem is relevant there's always a place for Qualcomm technology. In the age of AI, modems are going to be more important than they have ever been. And I think that's going to drive consumer preference about do they want the best possible modem in the computer that's in their hand all the time," Amon added. Even if Christiano Amon appears confident in the Snapdragon X85's capabilities, Apple is already said to be testing the C2, which may bridge that performance gap with Qualcomm's future high-end offerings.

Qualcomm swears it's not worried about Apple making its own iPhone modems - 9to5Mac

When we look back on the iPhone 16e years from now, the thing we'll all remember is that it was the first iPhone to use Apple's own modem. Even though the two companies have a testy relationship, Apple has historically relied on Qualcomm for modems. The C1 chip in the iPhone 16e is Apple's first step toward breaking up with Qualcomm. Qualcomm, however, says it's not worried about the competition posed by Apple's foray into modems... At Mobile World Congress 2025 this week, Qualcomm unveiled its new X85 5G modem, as reported by my colleagues at 9to5Google. It's an impressive modem with peak speeds of 12.5 Gbps up and 3.7 Gbps down. It also features a new "5G AI processor" that apparently leads to 30% faster inference. In an interview with CNBC this week, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon said that this new X85 5G modem "It's the first modem that has so much AI, it actually increases the range of performance of the modem so the modem can deal with weaker signals. What that will do will set a huge delta between the performance of premium Android devices, and iOS devices, when you compare what Qualcomm can do versus what Apple is doing. If modem is relevant there's always a place for Qualcomm technology. In the age of AI, modems are going to be more important than they have ever been. And I think that's going to drive consumer preference about do they want the best possible modem in the computer that's in their hand all the time." Apple plans to bring its in-house modem to the entire iPhone lineup by next year as it adds new features like support for mmWave 5G. Following the iPhone 16e, the so-called iPhone 17 Air will feature the C1 modem when it launches this fall. Then, the entire iPhone 18 lineup will move from Qualcomm to Apple's modems next year with the launch of the C2. Early reviews of the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e are positive. Lab tests revealed that Apple's modem in the iPhone 16e is comparable to Qualcomm's modem in the iPhone 16, but significantly more power efficient.

Soon After Apple's Custom C1 Modem Launch, Qualcomm Introduced Its X85 Modem For Android Flagships, Offering Peak Download Speeds Of 12.5 Gbps

Apple recently introduced its custom C1 modem with the launch of the iPhone 16e, which has received positive reviews from the tech community. Even though Apple's chip is nowhere near the level of Qualcomm's in terms of performance, the efficiency of the modem is far greater which contributes to the battery life of the device. At MWC 2025, Qualcomm announced its latest X85 5G Modem-RF for Android, which features staggering download speeds of up to 12.5 Gbps and upload speeds of 3.7 Gbps. Qualcomm's X80 modem, in comparison, delivers 10 Gbps of peak download speeds and up to 3.5 Gbps of upload speeds. The X85 is the company's eighth-generation 5G modem-to-antenna solution and fourth-generation AI-powered 5G connectivity platform, supporting 5G mmWave, sub-6 GHz, and Satellite technologies. Compared to its predecessor, the X85 boasts a 5G AI processor with a dedicated tensor accelerator, enabling 30 percent faster AI inference. This translates to lower latency, wider coverage, and greater power efficiency, which will ensure a responsive and reliable 5G experience across different conditions. In practical terms, the improvements will bolster smoother gameplay, clear voice quality within apps, and seamless WiFi to cellular conversions. You can check out more details on the modem on the company's official website. The X85 introduces several industry-first innovations, delivering a more seamless and efficient 5G experience. With 3CC + 1CC Turbo DSDA (Dual SIM Dual Active), users can stay connected to two networks at the same time, making it easier to manage personal and professional communications without hiccups and additional steps. The modem combines 400MHz bandwidth in Sub-6GHz with 1024 QAM to boost download speeds and make the network more efficient compared to the current iteration. What this means is that the modem will deliver faster downloads, smoother streaming, and a reliable connection, even in areas with more network traffic. "The new Qualcomm X85 is designed for mobile AI and is the perfect match for Android and the agentic experiences of the Gemini era," said Seang Chau, VP and GM of Android Platform. "This modem delivers breakthrough 5G speeds, network reliability and intelligent connectivity to Android phones, cementing Android and Qualcomm Technologies' leadership in the mobile AI world." The new Qualcomm X85 modem is oriented toward Android-powered handsets, but Apple could strike a deal with the company to provide customized versions of the chip for its future variants of the iPhone. Apple will continue to use Qualcomm-made modems in the coming years as the C1 modems will be exclusively available on the standard and the budget iPhone variants, such as the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to debut later this year. Apart from smartphones, the modem is also compatible with PCs, mixed-reality handsets, and automotive. Qualcomm's latest X85 modem is also supported by major carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, KDDI, and NTT DOCOMO, which will boost the adoption. We will share more details on Qualcomm's X85 modem, so be sure to stick around for more details.

MWC 2025: Qualcomm X85 5G Modem with Improved AI Processor Announced

As for AI features, the AI-powered Data Traffic Engine can reduce latency and improve speed and efficiency. At the ongoing MWC 2025, Qualcomm unveiled its next-gen X85 5G modem with support for 5G mmWave, Sub-6GHz, and Satellite connectivity. Just like previous 5G modems, the Qualcomm X85 5G modem is also AI-powered, featuring an AI co-processor and dedicated Tensor accelerators. Qualcomm says the 5G AI co-processor can deliver up to 30% faster AI inference. As for the modem performance, the Qualcomm X85 5G modem can deliver peak download speeds of up to 12.5Gbps and peak upload speeds of up to 3.7Gbps. Last year's X80 5G modem could reach up to 10Gbps and 3.5Gbps in download and upload speeds, respectively. It will be interesting to see how well Apple's first C1 5G modem holds up against Qualcomm's latest 5G modem. Qualcomm touts that the X85 5G modem packs some new features to improve coverage and speed. It supports 400MHz download bandwidth in the Sub-6GHz spectrum with 1024-QAM modulation for better data speeds. In addition, the modem achieves 3.7Gbps in upload speeds for the first time. Next, with 3CC+1CC Turbo DSDA support, the X85 5G modem can combine multiple frequencies from different carriers to deliver better performance. Finally, the AI-powered Data Traffic Engine can dynamically manage network traffic which reduces latency and improves efficiency for a smoother user experience. The chipmaker says this AI-powered feature can make mobile gaming and Wi-Fi-cellular transfer smoother while improving voice calls as well. The Qualcomm X85 5G modem is likely to debut on the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chip in October 2025. Apart from Android smartphones, the modem can be used on laptops, routers, IoT devices, and more.

Qualcomm announces new X85 modem for Android phones: up to 12.5Gbps download speeds over 5G

TL;DR: Qualcomm has introduced the X85 5G Modem-RF for Android, offering download speeds up to 12.5Gbps and upload speeds up to 3.7Gbps, surpassing the X80's capabilities. It features a 5G AI processor with a Tensor accelerator for faster AI inference, enhancing latency, coverage, and power efficiency. Qualcomm has unveiled its new X85 5G Modem-RF for Android, with some crazy-high download speeds of up to 12.5Gbps and upload speeds of up to 3.7Gbps. In comparison, the current-gen Qualcomm X80 5G modem is capable of up to 10Gbps download and 3.5Gbps upload, so those download speeds have increased significantly, by another 25%. The new X85 modem is Qualcomm's eighth-generation 5G modem-to-antenna solution, and fourth-generation AI-powered 5G connectivity platform with support for 5G mmWave, sub-6GHz, and Satellite technologies. Qualcomm's new X85 5G modem has a 5G AI processor with a dedicated Tensor accelerator, which provides 30% faster AI inference, providing lower latency, wider coverage, and improved power efficiency that pave the way for a responsible, reliable 5G experience in multiple different conditions. Seang Chau, VP and GM of Android Platform, said: "The new Qualcomm X85 is designed for mobile AI and is the perfect match for Android and the agentic experiences of the Gemini era. This modem delivers breakthrough 5G speeds, network reliability and intelligent connectivity to Android phones, cementing Android and Qualcomm Technologies' leadership in the mobile AI world". Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager, technology planning and edge solutions, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc, explains: "Qualcomm X85, the world's most advanced modem-to-antenna system, is set to provide the best 5G experiences. For smartphones, it enables levels of speeds, power-efficiency and reliability that will only be available on premium Android devices. Technology leadership has and will always be our focus. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary and enter the era of agentic and on-device AI, it is fitting that we mark this milestone by launching this industry leading platform. Our innovations in modem-RF and on-device AI uniquely position us as the leader for this next generation of connected intelligence".

Qualcomm Tips New X85 5G Modem, and of Course There's AI on It

The company's MWC news also includes a new Dragonwing fixed-wireless platform. BARCELONA -- As the rise of AI threatens to push bandwidth consumption ever upwards, Qualcomm is putting forth a fix: a new 5G modem that leverages on-device AI to manage traffic more effectively. Its new X85 5G Modem-RF is not the first Qualcomm "modem-to-antenna solution" to include AI; it's the fourth overall, succeeding the X80 introduced a year ago. But the San Diego firm says this year's model -- which it expects to appear in consumer devices in the second half of this year -- does much more with its AI chip. "Inference capabilities are almost 30% better than our previous modem," said Sunil Patil, VP of product management for Qualcomm's 5G modem business, in a Teams call Friday. Specifically, the X85 analyzes the bits flowing in and out of the device so it can function as an efficiency-minded air data-traffic controller, assigning bandwidth to the apps that need it most. "We have implemented a model in the modem, an AI ML model in the modem itself, that is able to detect the type of traffic with very high reliability," Patil said. For example, it can determine that a voice call being made in an app that also allows photo or video uploads will not need as much bandwidth as that app's regular fare. The X85 will also support what he described as a "smoother connectivity transition between Wi-Fi and cellular," something Qualcomm plans to demonstrate at MWC in Barcelona this week. To support peak download and upload speeds of 12.5Gbps and 3.7Gbps, the X85 offers deeper support than before for carrier aggregation. That's a method by which carriers can lash together multiple cellular channels for faster speeds. For example, a year ago T-Mobile announced it had hit 3.6Gbps downloads using carrier aggregation of six midband 5G channels. "We plan to enable more than 10,000 combinations on this platform, which makes it very flexible for carriers to plan their networks," Patil said. The X85 includes support for the full spectrum of 5G bands in use today, including everything up to 6GHz (which Patil clarified includes the n104 6.425-7.125 GHz band that China has deployed) and then the millimeter-wave bands that only Verizon makes much use of in the US. Many phone manufacturers and carriers have hung up on mmWave because of its extremely short range and added cost, but Qualcomm continues to make a case for its utility as a solution for high-traffic areas like sports arenas. Apple, meanwhile, conspicuously left mmWave support out of the C1 modem it designed in-house and just debuted on the $599-and-up iPhone 16e. For wireless carriers that have enabled standalone 5G service -- essential for such advanced capabilities as "network slices" -- the X85 employs a set of uplink-optimization features to improve upload speeds. And like other recent Qualcomm 5G modem chipsets, the X85 includes support for satellite connectivity. European users will have their own reason to take interest in phones that include the X85: its support for Future Railway Mobile Communication System, a trackside telecom standard built to replace 2G-based GSM-R that should enable not just quicker and more secure communications between railroad operators and trains but also for passengers onboard. (Sorry, Amtrak travelers, FRMCS relies on Europe-specific frequencies.) Qualcomm's MWC news also includes a new 5G fixed wireless access platform that goes by the wordy name of Dragonwing Fixed Wireless Access Gen 4 Elite -- the "Dragonwing" moniker being the brand Qualcomm unveiled last week for industrial and enterprise tech. This receiver is built around the X85 and so offers the same 12.5 and 3.7 peak advertised download and upload speeds as the X85, but Qualcomm also touts a mmWave reception range of more than 8.5 miles (which is far more ground than those frequencies can cover when the receiver is a moving phone) and 40 TOPs of AI processing power.

Qualcomm announces X85 5G Modem with peak 12.5 Gbps downloads

At MWC 2025, Qualcomm announced the X85 5G Modem-RF for Android, with peak download speeds of up to 12.5 Gbps and 3.7 Gbps uploads. In comparison, 2024's X80 offers 10 Gbps peak downloads and 3.5 Gbps upload. The X85 is Qualcomm's "eighth-generation 5G modem-to-antenna solution and fourth-generation AI-powered 5G connectivity platform" across 5G mmWave, Sub-6 GHz, and Satellite. A 5G AI Processor with its dedicated tensor accelerator has 30% faster AI inference (compared to the previous generation) for improvements across latency, coverage, and power efficiency. That can translate to smoother mobile gaming, clearer voice quality in calling apps, and smoother Wi-Fi to cellular transfers. Other "world's first" capabilities include: It's primarily aimed at Android smartphones, but the Qualcomm X85 is also "engineered to support 5G Advanced capabilities" in PCs, automotive, XR, and other form factors. Qualcomm also touted partner support from T-Mobile, Verizon, China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, KDDI, and NTT DOCOMO. Besides the speed improvements, Qualcomm says to expect "improved network reliability in congested areas, extended battery life, and enhanced location accuracy" with the X85.

From S26 to OnePlus 14, Qualcomm's new X85 modem will power next-gen flagships

The modem is expected to appear in the first commercial devices in the second half of the year. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip offers some impressive connectivity features, and that's in large part due to the Snapdragon X80 modem. Now, the company has announced a new modem, which is expected to power next-generation flagship Android phones. The newly announced Qualcomm X85 modem is an iterative change compared to the Snapdragon X80. Expect a small but notable speed boost compared to the previous part, with 12.5Gbps downlink speeds and 3.7Gbps uplink speeds. However, Qualcomm says the latter is a first for the smartphone industry. Qualcomm's recent modems have also come with AI smarts, and the company says the new silicon is the first to offer an AI-powered Data Traffic Engine. This engine and other AI-related enhancements mean the modem can adapt more quickly to your needs, such as video calls, online gaming, and other tasks. Otherwise, the X85 modem also offers integrated satellite connectivity, as seen last year, as well as Release 17 and Release 18 support. Qualcomm says the X85 modem is already being sampled by customers and is expected to land in commercial devices in the second half of the year. We expect the new modem to be paired with the rumored Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor. So it's very likely that we'll see this part in the OnePlus 14, some Galaxy S26 series models, and the Xiaomi 16 series.

Qualcomm introduces Snapdragon X85 RF-system with AI-powered data traffic engine

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., has announced the Qualcomm X85 5G Modem-RF, its latest iteration in 5G modem-to-antenna technology, as the successor to last year's Qualcomm X80 5G. This marks the company's eighth-generation 5G modem solution and its fourth generation incorporating artificial intelligence for connectivity. The X85 is designed to enhance performance for a range of connected and AI-driven applications. Qualcomm states the modem aims to deliver improved data speeds for streaming, downloads, and uploads, alongside increased network reliability in areas of high user density. Further purported benefits include extended device battery life and more accurate location services. The company highlights the X85's support for 5G Advanced features, emphasizing its potential application in Android smartphones. Qualcomm also intends to extend the technology to other sectors, including personal computers, fixed wireless access points, automotive applications, and extended reality (XR) devices. The Qualcomm 5G AI Processor with dedicated tensor accelerator hardware optimized for 5G and 5G Advanced use cases promise 30% faster AI inference for better performance compared to the previous generation. The Qualcomm AI-Powered Data Traffic Engine offers better end user experience and performance including AI-enhanced, dynamic gaming traffic prioritization, AI-enhanced OTT calling for clearer voice and video calls and Smooth Wi-Fi Cellular transfer. Qualcomm has indicated it is collaborating with various entities within the global wireless ecosystem, including network operators, infrastructure providers, and standards bodies, to facilitate the commercial deployment of X85 capabilities. In parallel, Qualcomm Technologies has introduced the Qualcomm X82 5G Modem-RF. This solution is positioned for broader adoption in mobile broadband applications, offering multi-gigabit download and upload speeds. To streamline development across various industries, Qualcomm is providing M.2 and LGA reference designs based on both the X82 and X85 modems. These reference designs are intended to support the integration of the new modem solutions into Customer Premises Equipment (CPEs), mobile broadband (MBB) devices, PCs, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and other applications. Both the Qualcomm X85 and X82 5G modems are currently undergoing sampling with customers. The company anticipates that devices incorporating these technologies will be available commercially in the second half of the current year.