Qualcomm Inc. is planning to bring technology developed for its new data-center chips to smartphones, personal computers and cars to improve on-device artificial intelligence capabilities, according to a Semafor report. The company intends to use the new chip technology it created for data centers in smartphones, ultimately allowing AI to run better on mobile devices, Qualcomm's Executive Vice President Durga Malladi told Semafor. Qualcomm this week announced its data-center chips, marking its entry into the highly competitive market for data-center processors, with Malladi stating the company's ambitions extend well beyond servers.
Qualcomm Discusses Technology Portfolio With Device Manufacturers
According to Malladi, Qualcomm is already in discussions with manufacturers of smartphones, personal computers and automobiles about incorporating part of its new data-center technology portfolio into future products. "What starts in data centers is not going to end there," Malladi told Semafor. The company plans to repurpose technology developed for AI servers into future mobile processors, according to the Semafor report.
High Bandwidth Compute Architecture Targets 2027 Data Center Launch
At the center of Qualcomm's plans is its High Bandwidth Compute architecture, which places memory and compute closer together by stacking chips vertically instead of positioning them side by side. The design is intended to improve the speed and flow of data. The first generation of the architecture is expected to launch in data centers in 2027, while the new chips are slated to become commercially available in 2028. Malladi did not disclose when the technology would be introduced into smartphones, PCs or vehicles.
Vertical Chip Stacking Aims to Enable Always-On AI on Devices
While vertically stacking chips is not a new concept, the approach has largely been used in data centers rather than smartphones. When the technology eventually reaches handheld devices, it is expected to allow users to run more AI models locally and operate AI agents in an "always on" fashion without draining battery life. Qualcomm, which lagged in data-center technology for several years, believes its decades of experience in smartphone chips position it to expand the architecture beyond servers and into consumer devices.
QCOM Stock Declines 2.7% After Initial Friday Gains
Shares of QCOM gained 1.6% during the trading session on Friday morning. But by afternoon, the QCOM stock had pared all the gains and was trading at a loss of 2.7% at the time of writing. The QCOM stock has gained nearly 14% year-to-date.
FAQ
What technology is Qualcomm planning to bring to smartphones and cars?
Qualcomm is planning to bring technology developed for its new data-center chips to smartphones, personal computers and cars. The company intends to use the new chip technology it created for data centers in smartphones, ultimately allowing AI to run better on mobile devices, according to Executive Vice President Durga Malladi's statement to Semafor.
When will Qualcomm's High Bandwidth Compute architecture launch in data centers?
The first generation of Qualcomm's High Bandwidth Compute architecture is expected to launch in data centers in 2027, while the new chips are slated to become commercially available in 2028. Malladi did not disclose when the technology would be introduced into smartphones, PCs or vehicles.
