In this edition of Tech Insiders, we dive into major developments shaking up the tech world: Qualcomm’s decision to cancel the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5 processor, Apple’s early work on the AirPods Pro 3, and a detailed leak showcasing the Motorola G56 smartphone ahead of its launch.
Qualcomm Cancels Snapdragon 8s Gen 5, Shifts to Snapdragon 8 Elite
Qualcomm has reportedly abandoned plans to release the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5 (SM8835), a mid-range processor intended for premium yet affordable smartphones. According to insider Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the company will instead prioritize the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite (SM8750) for devices launching in 2026. This strategic shift means that next year’s mid-budget smartphones from brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Realme may directly adopt the high-performance Snapdragon 8 Elite, potentially driving up costs or requiring manufacturers to optimize pricing strategies.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite, launched in October 2024, is a powerhouse with an 8-core Oryon CPU, offering up to 45% better single- and multi-core performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Its Adreno 830 GPU also delivers a 40% boost in gaming performance, making it ideal for flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and OnePlus 13. By skipping the 8s Gen 5, Qualcomm aims to streamline its portfolio and focus on delivering cutting-edge AI and performance capabilities across a broader range of devices. However, this move could limit options for manufacturers targeting the sub-flagship segment, potentially impacting affordability in the mid-range market.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 in Development, Teased in Software Leak
Apple is already laying the groundwork for its next-generation wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3, with evidence emerging from a recent software leak. According to MacRumors analyst Aaron Perris, a mention of the unannounced AirPods Pro 3 was spotted in Apple’s software code, indicating system requirements for a program optimized for the successor to the AirPods Pro 2. This discovery suggests that Apple is actively testing or preparing infrastructure for the new earbuds, aligning with rumors of a potential reveal at WWDC 2025 in June.
While specific details about the AirPods Pro 3’s features remain scarce, earlier speculation from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and leaker
X@Kosutami_Ito
points to significant upgrades. These may include enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), improved audio quality with support for lossless audio, and possibly new health-focused features like heart rate monitoring or temperature sensing, building on Apple’s focus on wellness integration in wearables. The AirPods Pro 2, released in 2022, introduced adaptive audio and personalized spatial audio, so the third iteration is expected to push these capabilities further, potentially leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound competitors for immersive audio experiences.
Apple’s timeline for the AirPods Pro 3 remains unconfirmed, but a WWDC 2025 debut would position the earbuds for a late 2025 or early 2026 launch, capitalizing on the holiday shopping season. As Apple continues to dominate the wireless audio market, the AirPods Pro 3 are poised to compete with premium offerings from Sony, Bose, and Samsung.
Motorola G56 Leaked in Stunning Detail Ahead of Launch
The Motorola G56, an upcoming mid-range smartphone, has been fully revealed through high-quality renders and specifications leaked by insider Evan Blass and other sources. The images showcase the device from all angles, highlighting its sleek design and three color options: Ocean Blue, Forest Green, and Midnight Black. The G56 features a triple-camera setup on the rear, a slightly thicker lower display bezel, and a centered, circular cutout for the front-facing camera, giving it a modern yet practical aesthetic.
While full specifications are yet to be officially confirmed, leaks suggest the Motorola G56 will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, known for reliable performance in mid-range devices like the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. This chipset, built on a 4nm process, supports 5G connectivity, a 144Hz refresh rate, and smooth gaming performance for titles like BGMI at 60 FPS. The G56 is expected to feature a 6.6-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, a 50MP main camera with ultra-wide and macro lenses, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging. These specs position the G56 as a strong contender in the budget-to-mid-range segment, competing with devices like the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Realme Narzo series.
Motorola has not announced an official release date, but the detailed leaks suggest a launch is imminent, likely in Q3 2025. With its vibrant design and robust feature set, the G56 aims to strengthen Motorola’s foothold in the competitive mid-range smartphone market.