Qualcomm has a secret exclusivity deal for Windows on Arm, but not for much longer
Exclusivity deal with Microsoft for Windows on Arm is reportedly set to expire soon
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The nextWindows laptopyou purchase may not have aprocessorfromIntelorAMDbut could feature anArm-based chip instead.
According to anew reportfromXDA Developers, the reason that only Qualcomm SoCs are currently found in Arm-based PCs is due to an exclusivity deal between Qualcomm andMicrosoftfor Windows on Arm.
The two companies first launchedWindows on Armback in 2016 in an effort to create laptops with all day-battery life and some of the first Windows devices to feature Arm chips from Qualcomm included theHP Envy X2and theAsus NovaGo.
XDA Developersalso spoke with people familiar with the matter who said that Qualcomm’s exclusivity deal with Microsoft for Windows on Arm is set to expire soon though an exact date for when this will happen has yet to be revealed.
Expanding beyond Qualcomm
At a recent Executive Summit held by Mediatek, the Taiwan-based chipmaker confirmed its intention tomake Arm-based chipsfor Windows PCs.
Speaking at the summit, VP of corporate sales and business development at Mediatek, Eric Fisher reportedly explained to attendees how opening up Windows on Arm to other chipmakers could affect the long running Windows/Intel or Wintel partnership, saying:
“Applehas shown the world that it can be done. The Wintel partnership that’s gone on for so long has to be under some pressure, and when there’s pressure, there’s an opportunity for companies like ours.”
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In addition to Mediatek,Samsung’sExynosprocessors and even Apple’sM1 chipscould all eventually be used to run Windows on Arm once Qualcomm’s exclusivity agreement with Microsoft expires.
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ViaXDA Developers
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
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