Qualcomm has recently introduced its latest flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The first devices featuring this powerful chip, such as the Xiaomi 17 series, are set to hit the market soon. However, it seems that one key upgrade may be reserved for the Samsung Galaxy S26.
Aside from the performance enhancements and improved AI capabilities, the 8 Elite Gen 5 stands out as the first platform to incorporate the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec. This codec could potentially revolutionize video recording on Android devices, challenging the dominance of the iPhone in this aspect.
The APV codec promises professional-level video production and groundbreaking AI camera technology. Qualcomm claims that it can deliver near-lossless video quality and enable more detailed post-production adjustments for superior results.
One surprising revelation is that consumers may have to wait several months before experiencing this cutting-edge technology firsthand.
Chris Martin / Foundry
It appears that the Xiaomi 17 series, expected to be the first devices with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, may not feature the APV codec. During an Elite Experience Q&A session, Judd Heape, VP of product management at Qualcomm, hinted that devices with APV onboard may not arrive until January 2026.
This delay means that not only Xiaomi’s new smartphones but also the OnePlus 15 could miss out on this significant feature. The timeline suggested by Heape coincides with the anticipated launch of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, which is likely to be the first Android phones to incorporate the Advanced Professional Video codec.
When asked about the delay, Heape mentioned that while he could not disclose specific OEMs, the APV technology is indeed on the horizon for 2026. This indicates that the introduction of APV may be reserved for the next wave of Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 devices.
While APV is a Samsung-developed technology, the decision to hold off on its implementation in other devices until next year aligns with Samsung’s strategy to prioritize this codec for its flagship smartphones.
Disclaimer: Qualcomm sponsored my attendance at the Snapdragon Technology Summit, covering travel, airfare, and meals. However, they did not influence or control the content of this article.