Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Google have enhanced their collaboration by announcing an expanded partnership after working together for long years, in order to accelerate the development of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), as well as creating the next phase of agentic AI-powered automotive experiences. As part of this new partnership, Qualcomm will integrate its Snapdragon Digital Chassis with the advanced automotive software and AI ecosystem from Google, creating a secure, scalable, and future-ready platform for millions of cars around the globe.
This announcement represents a new paradigm in vehicle design, development, and experience; the vehicles will now serve as smart, evolving digital platforms.
Intelligent Redefined Mobility with Agentic AI
As part of the ongoing Gemini Enterprise for Automotive collaboration that was announced in 2025, Qualcomm and Google demonstrated advanced AI-enabled offerings during CES 2026. This new approach uses both cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) models, as well as device based intelligent processing.
The major advantages of these new systems are:
- Real-time personalization of your driving experience using a voice-driven, proactive, AI assistant.
- Multimodal user interfaces that adapt to both user behavior and context.
- The ability to provide “always-on” AIs that enhance driver safety, convenience and comfort.
The new approach allows for vehicles to learn about their drivers over time and become “smarter”, as well as to anticipate their needs better and help them make better decisions, ultimately providing a very human-like driving experience.
Single Reference System to Promote Innovation
With its collaboration, OED will achieve one of the greatest benefits through the creation of one unified reference platform that enables automakers to have fewer complexities when developing their products. The development cycle of their respective Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms will be aligned with the roadmap for Android Automotive OS (AAOS), beginning with Android version 17, thereby enabling both companies to create shorter development cycles and expedite time-to-market.
As a result of this unified platform, automakers are able to:
- Create prototypes very quickly for next-generation SDVs
- Reduce the time needed to deliver in-vehicle infotainment systems
- Deliver an extremely high-quality digital experience in an efficient manner across many different types of vehicles
As a result of these efficiencies, companies will be able to innovate faster while at the same time maintaining reliability and performance levels.
Global Scaling of Software-Defined Vehicles
Qualcomm, in collaboration with Google, is working to provide scale to the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) and to transform the AAOS into an SDV through a hybrid model that utilizes a combination of local software and cloud-based development platforms. Qualcomm has taken the lead in this partnership and is supplying pre-integrated, optimized software for use in Snapdragon Digital Chassis platforms.
The hybrid architecture enables:
- Multiple vehicle domain applications, such as instrument clusters containing safety-critical components
- Granular over-the-air (OTA) updates
- Artificial intelligence (AI) to gain insights about fleet operations using vehicle telemetry data
By providing this scalable platform, Qualcomm is helping OEMs design vehicles that are capable of evolving in the future while continuing to provide an efficient operational experience.
Project Treble for Long-Term Lifecycle Management
With Project Treble from Qualcomm, Smart phone makers that are primarily focused on incorporating the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform into their automobiles, will benefit from predictable and safe software updates for an extended period of time.
Key Elements of the Initiative Include:
- Support for 4 generations of Snapdragon Cockpit platforms
- Provisioning to Over 14 unique system-on-chip (SoCs).
- Provides a Full, Comprehensive Long-Term Plan for Essential Software Updates.
This initiative allows automakers and OEMs to offer secure, connected, and full-featured vehicles, throughout the life of the vehicles.
Leadership Perspectives
According to Patrick Brady, VP of Engineering at Google, developing deeper collaboration is critical to the transformation of the automotive industry as it enters an AI-powered, software-defined future. By leveraging Google’s leadership in artificial intelligence and software development and Qualcomm’s comprehensive knowledge of hardware, he said both companies will be able to provide safer, smarter and more personalized driving experiences.
According to Nakul Duggal, Executive Vice President and Group General Manager for Qualcomm Technologies, this partnership signifies another step forward in the development of new technologies for automobiles. By integrating their Snapdragon Digital Chassis platforms with Google’s AI capabilities, Qualcomm and Google intend to enable automotive manufacturers to develop new solutions faster and realize the full potential of the forthcoming agentic AI in mobility.
