Qualcomm has unveiled the X105 5G Modem-RF at MWC 2026, a flagship chip designed for the "agentic AI era." The new modem succeeds the X85 and brings satellite connectivity through NR-NTN support, allowing 5G over satellite when traditional cell service fails. It also features NB-IoT fallback for messaging in areas with poor coverage like elevators and parking garages.

Built for 5G Advanced Release 19, the X105 modem supports faster downlink speeds of 14.8Gbps and uplink speeds of 4.2Gbps. Qualcomm positions this as a step toward 6G, with agentic AI improving cellular performance and APIs enabling developers to leverage "predictive intelligence." The modem's NB-IoT technology works on existing LTE infrastructure for low-power, efficient communication when regular networks are unavailable.

While consumer availability remains unclear, the X105 could appear in next-generation flagship phones like the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. The modem addresses real-world connectivity gaps that plague users daily, from parking garages to remote locations. As smartphones increasingly become our primary communication tools, reliable coverage everywhere becomes essential rather than optional.