Qualcomm's new chip ushers within the Wi-Fi 8 and Bluetooth 7 period

[ad_1] <img class="e_Gh" decoding="async" loading="eager" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Qualcomm-Fast-Connect-8800" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/assets_2026_02_1772231872_FastConnect-8800-Infographic.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/assets_2026_02_1772231872_FastConnect-8800-Infographic-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/assets_2026_02_1772231872_FastConnect-8800-Infographic-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/assets_2026_02_1772231872_FastConnect-8800-Infographic-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/assets_2026_02_1772231872_FastConnect-8800-Infographic-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/assets_2026_02_1772231872_FastConnect-8800-Infographic-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="An infographic showing the Qualcomm FastConnect 8800 connectivity chip." src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/assets_2026_02_1772231872_FastConnect-8800-Infographic.jpg"/> TL;DR

Qualcomm’s latest connectivity system brings Wi-Fi 8 and Bluetooth 7 assist to a revamped chip design with a 4×4 radio configuration. The Qualcomm FastConnect 8800 allows double-digit throughput and thrice the vary of present choices. It’s potential that FastConnect 8800 may energy connectivity within the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. For now, all we all know is that this chip launches in client merchandise beginning in late 2026

Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 are simply beginning to develop into mainstream, however Qualcomm is already looking forward to Wi-Fi 8 and Bluetooth 7 with its newest cell connectivity chip. The corporate introduced the Qualcomm FastConnect 8800 at MWC 2026 in the present day, which is the primary cell providing to assist Wi-Fi 8, Bluetooth 7, Extremely Wideband 802.15.4ab, and Thread 1.5 in the identical chip. The Wi-Fi 8 period is formally upon us, with FastConnect 8800 merchandise anticipated to launch later this yr.

Qualcomm’s FastConnect 8800 connectivity chip is constructed utilizing a 6nm course of node and a brand new 4×4 radio configuration. In comparison with the usual 2×2 radio configuration discovered on chips just like the FastConnect 7900, the 4×4 format debuting on the FastConnect 8800 makes double-digit throughput potential, in line with the corporate. It allows peak speeds of as much as 11.6 Gbps and as much as thrice the vary of present FastConnect chips.

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<img class="e_Gh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="9.375rem" title="google preferred source badge light@2x" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x.png 676w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x-64w-20h.png 64w" alt="google preferred source badge light@2x" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x.png"/><img class="e_Gh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="9.375rem" title="google preferred source badge dark@2x" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x.png 676w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x-64w-20h.png 64w" alt="google preferred source badge dark@2x" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x.png"/> That’s double the speeds of the chip’s predecessor, though you're unlikely to see these figures in real-world conditions — they're primarily based on the utmost bodily layer (PHY) charge of the chip. By incorporating Wi-Fi 8 know-how, FastConnect 8800 can assist new options like Prolonged Lengthy Vary (ELR).

Wi-Fi 8 upgrades are solely a part of the FastConnect 800 upgrades. The connectivity chip additionally helps Bluetooth 7 with Bluetooth Excessive Knowledge Throughput, elevating speeds from 2 Mbps to 7.5 Mbps. There's compatibility with Qualcomm’s Expanded Private Space Community (XPAN), Bluetooth LE Audio, and the Snapdragon Sound suite. Which means you need to use aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX Voice on supported gadgets for high-resolution Bluetooth audio streaming.

Qualcomm says we are able to count on FastConnect and Dragonwing AI connectivity chips with Wi-Fi 8 to look in client merchandise beginning in late 2026.