Qualcomm's XPAN, a wireless audio technology that streams sound over Wi-Fi, had gone more than a year without a new compatible product. Now the company has confirmed that both new XPAN-enabled products and next-generation versions of the technology are in development[1]. As a higher-quality, longer-range alternative to Bluetooth, XPAN looks set to get moving again.

XPAN Stirs Back to Life After More Than a Year

Qualcomm introduced XPAN a few years ago as an alternative to Bluetooth audio[1]. Since then, compatible products have been scarce, with more than a year passing since the last XPAN-enabled device from a major manufacturer[1].

The mood shifted at a media briefing. Asked whether more XPAN-enabled products would arrive in 2026 and beyond, a Qualcomm representative stated clearly that XPAN-enabled products are in the pipeline and will appear going forward[1]. No specific product names or timing were shared, but simply learning that the technology has not been quietly shelved is welcome news for listeners who want high-quality sound from their wireless earbuds.

How Streaming Audio Over Wi-Fi Works, and Its Benefits

As the name suggests, XPAN connects to a Wi-Fi network and uses a home Wi-Fi line, rather than Bluetooth, to transmit audio[1]. According to Qualcomm, this approach greatly improves both range and stability compared with Bluetooth[1]. The aim is playback that holds up even as you move between rooms or in congested radio environments.

Balancing sound quality with power consumption is another highlight. Qualcomm says that transmitting lossless 24-bit/96kHz audio over Wi-Fi uses roughly the same amount of power as streaming lossy 96kHz audio over Bluetooth[1]. Another stated benefit is that users no longer have to make the either-or choice between low latency and a high bit rate that was often unavoidable in the past[1].

Compatible Devices and Chips Hold the Key to Adoption

Even an appealing technology is useless without compatible hardware. The headline XPAN-compatible product was the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro Wi-Fi Edition, a pair of wireless earbuds released more than a year ago[1]. However, the only phone that supported XPAN connectivity with these earbuds was the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and that handset appeared to be the only major phone with XPAN in the first place[1].

There is a technical prerequisite behind the slow uptake, too. Running XPAN requires Qualcomm's Snapdragon S7 Pro audio processor, so a successor chip is expected to bring an upgraded version of XPAN as the technology iterates[1]. Indeed, a Qualcomm representative said the company is planning next-generation versions of XPAN and that improved versions will appear in future products[1]. Android Authority, which reported the news, expects related announcements at the next Snapdragon Summit, suggesting an upgraded XPAN and a new audio chip could be unveiled in Hawaii later this year[1].

Summary

Qualcomm has confirmed that it is developing both new XPAN-enabled products and a next-generation version of its Wi-Fi audio transmission technology. XPAN offers wide range, strong stability, and lossless playback with restrained power draw, yet limited device support has so far kept it from spreading. If a new generation of audio chips and compatible products arrives together, XPAN could grow into a viable wireless-audio option alongside Bluetooth.