Market2026-10-08

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon expects AI agents to drive a smartphone supercycle. He says agents will use apps, understand personal context and act on behalf of users. Amon compares this moment to the early iPhone era. AI companies are asking Qualcomm to support 100-billion-parameter models on phones by 2028. He sees pent-up demand from buyers delaying upgrades due to high memory prices. Amon is most bullish on smart glasses as the biggest AI wearable category. He describes an 'iPod moment' for AI devices like earbuds, jewelry and badges. Qualcomm acquired Modular to offer developers an alternative to Nvidia’s software. Amon expects 6G to enable constant high-definition video uploads from devices. He foresees 6G using radio signals like radar for mapping and drone detection. Demonstrations are planned for the 2028 LA Olympics. Early 6G deployments are expected around 2029–2030. Broader scale is anticipated after 2030.

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