Qualcomm unveils Wi-Fi 8 chip designed to power 6G pegged for global launch in 2029

[harlan4096]

Qualcomm has committed to 6G networks by 2029 and unveiled a new 6G-ready Wi-Fi chip that doubles the peak Wi-Fi speeds when compared to Wi-Fi 7.

TL;DR: Qualcomm plans a global 6G network rollout by 2029, finalizing standards by 2028, supported by Wi-Fi 8-ready FastConnect 8800 chips launching in 2026. The AI-native chip doubles Wi-Fi speeds, extends gigabit range, and advances Bluetooth 7.0, positioning Qualcomm as a leader in next-gen wireless innovation.

Qualcomm has announced that the global rollout of 6G networks will begin sometime in 2029, with the company locking down 6G standards and specifications by 2028, and to power that upcoming network, it will have Wi-Fi 8-ready chips available.

At Mobile World Congress, Qualcomm unveiled the FastConnect 8800, a new Wi-Fi-ready chip that's described as being "AI-native," which it also says will be for the upcoming 6G network. The new chip doubles the peak Wi-Fi speeds when compared to the previous Wi-Fi 7 chip, and according to Qualcomm, it was able to achieve this upgrade by using a redesigned 4x4 radio configuration.

The chip also enables a 3x longer gigabit range compared to previous generations, and comes with Bluetooth advancements, specifically Bluetooth 7.0 and Bluetooth HDT, or High Data Throughput, which bumps the Bluetooth data transmission speeds up to 7.5Mbps from Bluetooth LE's 2Mbps. The FastConnect 8800 is one of many Wi-Fi 8-ready products Qualcomm is launching, which are all expected to come to market sometime in 2026.

Continue Reading...