Qualcomm Launches Dragonwing Q-6690 with Built-In RFID for Enterprise

Qualcomm has unveiled the Dragonwing Q-6690, a new enterprise-grade chipset that sets a major precedent: it’s the first in the world with built-in RFID.

For companies in retail, logistics, and manufacturing, this move eliminates the need for external RFID modules, streamlining both device design and operational efficiency.

The system-on-chip doesn’t stop at RFID. It also comes loaded with 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and ultra-wideband (UWB) connectivity. That means businesses can tap into proximity-aware features for managing large inventories and real-time tracking. Qualcomm says the integration of these wireless technologies will allow OEMs and ODMs to experiment with more flexible form factors, cutting costs and complexity.

RFID itself is far from new – Decathlon, one of Qualcomm’s launch partners, has been using it since 2004. But the convenience of having RFID built directly into the silicon signals a shift in how enterprise devices could be built going forward. Instead of juggling multiple add-ons, manufacturers can now develop leaner, smarter hardware out of the box.

Software support has also been put front and center. Qualcomm promises over-the-air updates to push new features and enhancements, while OEMs will have the option of configurable feature packs tailored to their computing, multimedia, or camera needs. Partnerships with Decathlon, the RAIN Alliance, and EssilorLuxottica further suggest that Qualcomm is betting on widespread adoption across industries that handle high-volume product tracking.

While some people still recall past paranoia about RFID – often portrayed in fringe theories as sinister or invasive – the reality is that it’s become a backbone of modern retail and logistics. With Qualcomm now embedding it into a flagship enterprise chip, RFID has officially moved from niche to native.