Notebooks powered by ARM-based chipsets started picking up steam when Apple first announced the M1 back in 2020, with its performance rivaling that of high-end desktop processors and efficiency levels that could not be matched by any competitor. Intel and AMD have attempted to introduce their x86 counterparts that share the same attributes, but looking at the current trends, it is clear that ARM notebooks have cemented their position in this market, and their market share is only said to increase from hereon. One research firm predicts that by 2029, 40 percent of all laptops will be equipped with ARM chipsets, giving x86 processors a major run for their money.
The ARM notebook space will be catapulted by new players, with MediaTek and Huawei said to introduce their chipsets next year
With Qualcomm also having entered the ARM chipset race that caters to notebooks with the launch of its Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus, it is safe to assume that Windows-powered machines featuring these SoCs are expected to help increase market share. Additionally, Qualcomm CEO Christiano Amon has said that in 2025, various notebooks featuring the aforementioned SoCs will start from just $700, making the hardware more accessible to potentially millions of customers who are on a tight budget.
In short, the momentum is clearly in the ARM notebooks’ favor, which is why TechInsights projects that by 2029, out of 10 notebooks shipped, four of them will feature a chipset that does not use the x86 instruction set. As more players enter this space, it should deliver the much-needed catalyst that helps increase the adoption of these machines. For instance, MediaTek and NVIDIA are reportedly said to debut their ‘AI PC’ in the second half of 2025, and it is said to be mass produced on TSMC’s 3nm architecture.
Similarly, Huawei, who was rumored to introduce its custom chipset this year, has delayed the launch to 2025, and despite the trade sanctions limiting its options, the former Chinese giant is eager to grab some of this market for itself. A few years ago, we only had Apple and its M1 that were making the waves, and with new players entering this segment, things will get a whole lot more interesting. Customers will undoubtedly be attracted to these products thanks to their ‘performance per watt’ attributes and incredible power efficiency, as each of these notebooks has a battery life that can last for hours.
For Windows-powered machines, the current obstacle is bringing native applications to the ARM platform, and improving the graphics capabilities to the point that games can run fluidly without having to reduce the visual quality extensively. With time, we are confident that chip manufacturers will address these problems, giving the x86 platform a proper run for its money.
News Source: ITHome
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
