Wireless earbuds will soon be more than just Bluetooth. Qualcomm has announced that its XPAN technology, which lets you switch between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for better sound quality, will be compatible with many smartphones. Even mid-range models will be able to benefit from it.
Wireless earbuds have revolutionized listening to music and making calls on the go. But despite Despite their popularity, they remain limited by Bluetooth technology, which imposes compromises on range and audio quality. To address these limitations, some brands are starting to integrate Wi-Fi into their models, a development that could significantly improve listening.
Qualcomm confirmed at MWC 2025 that its XPAN technology, which allows headphones to switch between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, will be available to a wider range of devices. Unlike innovations often reserved for premium smartphones, this technology will be supported from Snapdragon 7 chips and above. This means that even mid-range smartphones will be able to benefit from this advancement without requiring a model costing more than €1,000.
Wi-Fi enabled headphones will offer better sound and greater range
With XPAN, headphones will be able to switch from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi depending on the situation. For example, when a smartphone is nearby, the Bluetooth connection will be preferred. But if the device is placed in another room, charging, and connected to the same Wi-Fi network, they will automatically switch to this connection to maintain optimal audio quality and avoid cuts. This technology promises increased range, richer sound and better stability, without the usual constraints of Bluetooth.
The first model to integrate this innovation are the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro Wi-Fi, recently unveiled at MWC 2025. For now, they are compatible with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, but thanks to Qualcomm's confirmation means that other smartphones will soon be able to benefit from it. This development marks a major step forward for wireless audio. If this technology becomes widespread, it could well become a new standard, and offer everyone better sound quality without having to invest in an expensive smartphone.
Source: Android Authority
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