Qualcomm introduced two premium Snapdragon smartphone processors focused on on-device AI, expanded partnerships across smartphones and PCs, and renewed its global patent license agreement with Apple effective April 1, 2027. The companies’ commercial relationship is shifting as Qualcomm’s chip supply to Apple gradually recedes while patent licensing continues. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and higher-end Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 can support advanced AI functions, including personal transcription, speaker recognition and activity-based memory. Cristiano Amon said AI agents could operate apps, connect to cloud services and complete tasks with less user intervention, although computing power, battery life, trust and ease of use remain challenges. Qualcomm announced the Apple agreement renewal on its website on September 24 local time. Its shares were up 5.69% at $205.32 at publication, while the company also has significant representation in three ETFs.