Qualcomm created the Snapdragon chip family used in many smartphones.
Snapdragon is a family of system-on-chip products that can combine a mobile processor, graphics hardware, modem, image-processing functions, and other components. Qualcomm’s chips and licensing business made it a major participant in the mobile communications industry and helped support its large market capitalization.
Qualcomm is also known for developing and licensing wireless technologies, including patents connected with cellular standards. Its business therefore combines semiconductor products with technology licensing, a structure that distinguishes it from a pure chip manufacturer.
The company was founded in 1985 by Irwin Jacobs and six other founders. Qualcomm’s name comes from “Quality Communications.” It is often confused with Arm, which licenses processor architectures, or with handset brands that use Snapdragon components. Qualcomm is headquartered in San Diego, California.