Qualcomm and Microsoft exclusivity deal ending soon, will open opportunities for Samsung

Laptop

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

It was reported a few months ago that Samsung is working on more powerful Exynos processors for laptops and Chromebooks. While Chromebooks use a variety of ARM-based processors from multiple chipset vendors, ARM-based Windows laptops only feature Qualcomm chipsets, and there could be a reason for that.

According to a report from XDA Developers, Microsoft and Qualcomm had an exclusive deal that only allowed Qualcomm chipsets to run Windows on ARM. Apparently, that was because the two companies invested in making Windows on ARM possible. That exclusive deal is reportedly “set to expire soon,” and there could be an opportunity for other chipset manufacturers to enter the Windows on ARM segment.

MediaTek recently expressed interest in the Windows laptops segment but made it clear that they don't have any immediate plans. Once Qualcomm's exclusive deal ends, Samsung could use the opportunity to make higher-end Exynos chipsets for Windows laptops. Probably, it could even make its own Galaxy Book-series laptop with an Exynos processor, complete with 5G cellular connectivity.

After Apple launched MacBooks powered by M1 series ARM processors, consumers have had a lot of interest in ARM-powered laptops. Tests have shown that Apple's M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max processors offer faster performance and higher power efficiency than most other x86/x64 laptop processors. Qualcomm is expected to launch similar ARM-based processors (with the Nuvia acquisition) sometime next year.

Join SamMobile's Telegram group and subscribe to our YouTube channel to get instant news updates and in-depth reviews of Samsung devices. You can also subscribe to get updates from us on Google News.

Asif Iqbal Shaik - Senior Editor

[email protected]

First Samsung device: T100

Asif is a computer engineer turned technology journalist. He has been using Samsung phones since 2004, and his current smartphone is the Galaxy S21 Ultra. He loves headphones, mechanical keyboards, and PC hardware. When not writing about technology, he likes watching crime and science fiction movies and TV shows.

Laptop ARM Microsoft Qualcomm Samsung Samsung Semiconductors System LSI

Qualcomm and Microsoft exclusivity deal ending soon, will open opportunities for Samsung

Asif Iqbal Shaik - Senior Editor

[email protected]

First Samsung device: T100

You might also like

ARM’s 300% time bomb could bury Samsung's Exynos for good

Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X could bring cheaper ARM Galaxy Book

Samsung to make 2nm AI accelerator chips for Rebellions

Native Google Drive app coming soon to Snapdragon Galaxy Books