Qualcomm

Qualcomm is expanding beyond smartphone chips into the automotive sector, showcased by its Snapdragon Ride Pilot system co-developed with BMW. The Level 2+ autonomous driving system, debuting in the BMW iX3, allows hands-free driving on certain roads. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon anticipates significant interest from other automakers seeking to license the technology, heralding it as a potential “domino effect.” Qualcomm projects $8 billion in automotive revenue by 2029, driven by its comprehensive, integrated platform for autonomy and its strategic partnerships.

Qualcomm and BMW have unveiled the Snapdragon Ride Pilot AD system in the BMW iX3 at IAA Mobility 2025. This scalable platform, co-engineered over three years, supports AD levels from NCAP to Level 2+ highway and urban navigation. It features AI-powered automation, 360-degree perception, and a data-driven approach validated in 60 countries, expanding to over 100 by 2026. The system offers customizable AD solutions with a focus on safety, aiming for broader accessibility across the automotive industry.

The 2025 China Unicom Partner Conference in Shanghai focused on “Synergy for Real-World Impact.” Qualcomm highlighted its collaboration with China Unicom, receiving an award for contributions to the terminal ecosystem. Qualcomm showcased 5G Advanced and AI innovations across devices, emphasizing on-device AI’s growth and its impact on industries. The partnership between Qualcomm and China Unicom drives advancements in 5G-A and AI integration, enabling a robust digital ecosystem. They demonstrated AI applications, 5G-A Gigabit network capabilities, and XR experiences, paving the way for intelligent connectivity and new quality productivity.

At the China International Supply Chain Expo, Qualcomm showcased 40 years of innovation, highlighting advancements in 5G-A, on-device AI, and collaborations across various sectors. Demonstrations featured Snapdragon-powered devices, including smartphones, PCs, and XR headsets, emphasizing generative AI applications. The company also displayed automotive solutions and IoT applications using the Qualcomm QET1100 platform. Qualcomm reaffirmed its commitment to working with Chinese partners to drive digital transformation and intelligent connectivity across industries.

Qualcomm China Chairman Jerry highlighted at the 2025 Gmosemiconsductor Conference how terminal-side AI is revolutionizing the semiconductor industry. He discussed AI becoming the new user interface, driving structural demand for chips, and the critical hardware-software synergy required for on-device AI performance. Jerry also emphasized Qualcomm’s collaboration with China’s ecosystem partners to accelerate AI adoption across smartphones, PCs, and vehicles, recognizing China’s leading role in AI innovation.

Suzhou hosted the 2025 Qualcomm Automotive Technology and Cooperation Summit, attracting nearly 2,000 industry leaders. Vice Mayor Liu Bo welcomed attendees, emphasizing Suzhou’s strong automotive electronics sector and commitment to innovation. He pledged deeper collaboration with Qualcomm, calling for joint efforts to drive intelligent mobility and capitalize on Suzhou’s substantial industrial base and research capabilities during the “golden decade” for automotive development.