MediaTek will end Qualcomm’s exclusive reign over Arm-based Windows PCs in 2025
Qualcomm is about to get some company in the Arm-computing space.
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What you need to know
Qualcomm is the only company that makes chips for Arm-based Windows PCs at the moment, but that’s about to change. According toReuters, Taiwanese chip designer MediaTek will make chips for Windows computers as soon as next year. The outlet cited several sources who confirmed the news that could cause a shakeup in Arm-based computing.
Aprevious report by Reutersrevealed that Microsoft has had anexclusive agreement with Qualcomm since 2016. That agreement made Qualcomm the only company allowed to build Arm chips for Windows computers. That agreement reportedly ends at the conclusion of 2024, opening the doors for other companies to make Arm chips for Windows PCs.
READ:Windows on ARM FAQ
When discussing processors, words such as “make” can be tricky. For example, both Intel and AMD design x86-x64 processors but only Intel makes its own chips in a fab. AMD uses companies like TSMC orIntel Foundry Servicesto physically make processors.
On the Arm side of things, companies such as Qualcomm purchases licenses from Arm Ltd. and then make adjustments as needed. The chips are then manufactured by a company like TSMC. The recent report by Reuters states that MediaTek will use this general approach to create Arm chips, meaning the upcoming MediaTek chips will be based on Arm’s ready-made designs.
A shot in the Arm
-Best Windows on ARM laptops-Qualcomm Snapdragon X benchmarks-Best AI PC laptops-I finally tried Windows on ARM and I love it
Arm-based computing is in the middle of a renaissance. Qualcomm’s newSnapdragon X EliteandSnapdragon X Pluschips promise true all-day battery life, better efficiency than their predecessors, and power that rivals chips from Apple and Intel. Those processors power the first wave ofCopilot+ PCs, which launch next week.
Microsoft has done its part to push Arm computing as well, including optimizing Windows 11 for Arm chips and having its upcomingSurface Pro 11andSurface Laptop 7run on Snapdragon X chips.
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Some have called 2024 the year of Windows on Arm. Our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino calls the convergence of Arm computing, NPUs, and generative AI the"Great PC Reset.“While the joint efforts of Qualcomm, Microsoft, and PC manufacturers have reignited interest in Arm computing, that list only includes one chipmaker at the moment. Arm chips made by MediaTek and other companies will drive the platform further.
AMD and NVIDIA reportedly have Arm chips in the works as well, so 2025 could be a very interesting year for Arm-based computing.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
