Another Strong Year for Windows on Arm

As we look to 2026, expect the arrival of fresh chipsets and enhanced software functionalities. Yet, the landscape is becoming increasingly competitive.

Two years ago, the introduction of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processors marked a turning point for Windows laptops running on Arm. Previous iterations were often plagued by poor performance, but this new generation brought not only impressive battery life but also solid performance metrics, especially noticeable in Microsoft's Surface Laptop and Surface Pro.

Software Compatibility Challenges

One of the notable barriers was the inconsistency in software compatibility, notably forcing users to adopt less robust applications like Adobe Lightroom instead of Lightroom Classic. Gaming, a strong suit for Windows compared to Apple's restrictive Mac environment, faced its own set of challenges.

However, by 2025, a series of gradual software developments began improving this landscape. Some creative tools became natively supported or usable through Prism emulation. For instance, Adobe Premiere Pro ran natively, and the emulated version of Lightroom Classic became feasible for basic editing tasks.

Advancements in Gaming and Graphics

The gaming experience also saw advancements thanks to new supports for x86 Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) and AVX2. Qualcomm established a dedicated team to ensure timely graphics driver updates, paralleling the efforts seen at Nvidia, AMD, and Intel.

Furthermore, engines like Unity and others are now compatible with Windows on Arm, and the Xbox game launcher introduced native support beyond just cloud streaming.

Economic Choice for General Consumers

Currently, recommending a Windows on Arm device to average users is easier than before, provided they do not require niche software or plan to indulge in extensive gaming. For instance, my sister purchased a sleek laptop during a sale and found it to be remarkably efficient for her needs.

Even first-gen Snapdragon X processors brought about unprecedented battery longevity and standby times for Windows laptops. Although rivals like Intel’s Lunar Lake and AMD’s Strix Point have posed formidable challenges with comparable performance and battery efficiency.

The Future of Chip Competitions

Upcoming developments in 2026 hint at a fierce showdown among Qualcomm’s successors, Intel’s new introductions, and AMD's latest advancements, potentially intensifying should Nvidia bring its new Arm-based chip into the fold.

Speculation suggests that an upcoming Alienware laptop might debut Nvidia's Arm chip, potentially prioritizing graphics performance, akin to AMD's capabilities on x86 platforms. Such prospects could make an attractive proposition for gaming enthusiasts.

A Tightening Race

The divide between x86 and Arm Windows devices is diminishing, and with upcoming innovations, Arm systems may soon capture a broader audience, although x86 remains the go-to for avid gamers.

2026 not only promises advancements in hardware but also greater competition from alternative systems like Linux. With Microsoft’s shift towards a more interactive OS paradigm, it risks losing users who may find alternative platforms more appealing.