If you were hoping every Snapdragon 8 Elite phone would support UWB, bad news: Qualcomm told us that isn’t the case.
- Snaparagon 8 Elite integrates Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and UWB on a single chip. UWB Support is optional for OEMS, and not all will enable it.
- Realme and other manufacturers may skip UWB to reduce costs.
- UWB allows for precise location tracking and enhances device functionalities.
- Certification and regulatory challenges affect UWB enablement in different regions.

 Qualcomm recently launched the Snapdragon 8 Elite system-on-chip, which includes the FastConnect 7900 connectivity platform that supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. Initially, it was reported that all smartphones using this new chip would support UWB connectivity without needing additional hardware. However, Qualcomm has clarified that the decision to enable UWB is ultimately up to the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and many have chosen not to include it.

 UWB technology allows for precise location tracking and enhances features such as digital car keys and file sharing. While Qualcomm's FastConnect 7900 was designed to simplify the integration of UWB into devices, some flagship Android phones, such as the OnePlus 13 and Xiaomi 15, do not support UWB despite being powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite. OEMs like Realme have also opted out of enabling UWB due to perceived limited use cases.

 The lack of UWB support across various devices could stifle the development of applications and products that utilize this technology. The regulatory complexities surrounding UWB in different countries may further deter OEMs from enabling it. Overall, while Qualcomm has made advancements in integrating UWB capabilities, the choice remains with OEMs, leading to inconsistent support across devices.