Windows on ARM is currently the exclusive domain of chipmaker Qualcomm. However, the agreement between the two parties expires this year, opening the way for competitors.

Since the launch of Windows on ARM, only one chip designer has delivered processors for ARM laptops: Qualcomm. An exclusivity agreement has existed between both parties since 2016. It hasn’t been reported much, but Arm’s CEO now confirms both its existence and its demise in an interview with Stratechery.

“I think it’s well documented that the exclusivity that Qualcomm has with Windows is ending,” he says. “I think that will happen this year.” Buccaneers are already on the coast. For example, in October it became clear that Nvidia was working on ARM CPUs for Windows computers. AMD would also develop ARM chips.

The market launch of Windows computers with ARM chips from Nvidia or AMD seems possible by the beginning of 2025. This is also the expected date of availability of the new chips.

More diversity

For Windows on ARM, the end of exclusivity is a good thing. Finally, we cannot call the collaboration between Microsoft and Qualcomm a great success. The ARM chips that power Windows laptops failed to impress and were overshadowed by Apple’s M chips from day one. They remain there today.

Microsoft is also to blame: Redmond does not seem to have taken support of the ARM architecture seriously yet: x86 clearly remains a priority. More diversity in chips can only benefit the ecosystem, but is no guarantee of success.