When it comes to chipset naming, Qulacomm has somewhat gained a notorious reputation. While with the current Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 launch, the brand somewhat managed to iron some creases, it looks like the brand could resort to old ways in 2026.
Qualcomm's next 2nm chips could welcome a new "Pro" model to the family
As per Digital Chat Station (DCS), the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chipset will reportedly launch two variants – Standard and Pro. Both processors will be built using TSMC's N2P node as Qualcomm could leapfrog Apple in the 2nm era. However, they will differ when it comes to core configuration.
The regular Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 will reportedly feature a 2 + 3 + 3 split when it comes to the CPU architecture. For context, both the Snapdragon 8 Elite and the newly launched Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 feature a 2 + 6 CPU split. So, a triple core CPU split will mean that the standard model will be less efficient compared to the existing offerings from Qualcomm.
However, the Pro model (let's call it the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro) will continue with the dual CPU split design. Moreover, DCS claims that both the standard and the Pro models will have different GPU architecture. While, there is no mention as to how it will be differentiated, we believe that the standard model will stick to the current 8 Elite Gen 5's Adreno 840 GPU while the Pro will gain the new Adreno 850 GPU.
Lastly, the post mentions that only the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro will be able to support the LPDDR6 RAM generation. Hence, the standard model will likely stick to LPDDR5 RAM support only.
That said, none of the details are confirmed yet. So, take them with a pinch of salt. When the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 naming choice was confirmed by Don McGuire, Qualcomm's Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer, it was supposed to clear confusion for consumers and enthusiasts alike.
However, with the 8 Elite Gen 6 now including a "Pro" moniker for the first time, it could hint at two possible things. Either it could mean that at the 2026 edition of the Snapdragon Summit, there will be only two chipsets, the regular Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro. It will effectively eliminate the need for a "Snapdragon 8 Gen 6" as the standard model will be able to serve its purpose.
Or, it could also mean that 2026 will see three new chipsets from Qualcomm - Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and Snapdragon 8 Gen 6. All in all, if we are to believe DCS's leak, 2026 is going to be another year full of confusing names and interesting decisions from Qualcomm.
