Qualcomm is reportedly already testing its future flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro. The information comes from insider Reptalica on X: according to the leak, the company is checking engineering samples of a 2 nm platform to tune performance and stability well ahead of launch.
The key detail in the leak is memory. The new platform is said to arrive in two versions: one designed for today’s LPDDR5X, while the more advanced variant will support LPDDR6. That could give smartphone makers more room to maneuver: some will be able to build expensive flagships with the fastest memory available, while others may keep device pricing a little lower without giving up a top-tier chip.
According to early information, the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 will keep support for LPDDR5X, which is already used in many flagship smartphones. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, meanwhile, may become Qualcomm’s first chip in this class with LPDDR6. The newer standard should bring higher data-transfer speeds and better energy efficiency, which matters for games, AI features, cameras and long sessions under load.
Qualcomm is said to be evaluating six engineering samples during testing, but that does not necessarily mean six commercial chip versions are planned. At this stage, the company may simply be checking different configurations and making sure both memory pairings meet Snapdragon Elite requirements for stability, speed and power consumption.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro is expected to use a 2 nm process and deliver a noticeable gain in performance and efficiency. Qualcomm is also reportedly testing the new premium chip inside an unnamed flagship device, though it is still unclear whether this is an internal prototype or a commercial model from one of its partners. Launch timing in leaks still varies, so the mention of the second half of 2026 should be treated with caution. The original report did not include pricing.