Snapdragon Phones Are Getting a New AI Brain From Qualcomm

Qualcomm is integrating its High Bandwidth Compute (HBC) technology into Snapdragon mobile platforms, empowering future smartphones to execute larger AI models locally. The technology, initially designed for data centers, is being adapted for smartphones and other consumer devices to enhance speed and efficiency. HBC, described by Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon as a coprocessor that brings memory and AI processing together, will enable Snapdragon-powered smartphones to run larger AI models directly on the device.

This move aims to improve AI response times and reduce power consumption, making it suitable for features requiring continuous AI processing. Qualcomm will unveil HBC for smartphones at MWC Barcelona from March 1 to 4, 2027, and plans to expand the technology to laptops, smart glasses, and vehicles in the future.