Qualcomm unveiled its Snapdragon Reality Elite processor at Augmented World Expo, targeting high-end AR and mixed reality headsets. The chip supports up to 4.4K resolution per eye at 90 fps, delivering sharper visuals than the XR2+ Gen 2. It also runs 12°C cooler while boosting battery life by 20 percent.

Performance gains include 60% higher GPU power, 30% CPU improvement, and 160% NPU enhancement. These upgrades enable smaller, more efficient devices without compromising capability, supporting advanced on-device AI features like photorealistic avatars. The Reality Elite replaces the XR2+ Gen 2 as Qualcomm's flagship XR chip, compatible with both standalone headsets and tethered configurations via compute puck.

Xreal's Aura glasses will be the first Reality Elite device, falling into the tethered category. Separately, Qualcomm introduced the START platform for companies building smartglasses. This turnkey solution bundles the AR1+ chip with integrated software and white-label hardware designs, allowing eyewear brands to add AI capabilities without extensive development.

Initial partner Inspecs holds licenses for O'Neill, Barbour and Superdry brands. The platform supports audio-only frames and glasses with in-lens displays. Qualcomm's push signals growing competition in AI wearables as traditional eyewear makers enter the smart glasses market.