It’s astonishing to think that after a decade of trials and tribulations, I’m now utilizing an Arm-powered Windows laptop daily. The year 2024 marked a pivotal shift as Microsoft and Qualcomm succeeded in bringing Windows on Arm into the limelight with the launch of Copilot Plus PCs. These innovative laptops offer impressive battery life and robust performance, alleviating most app compatibility issues that previously plagued Windows on Arm—though gaming compatibility still remains a hurdle. While Microsoft envisioned 2024 as "the year of the AI PC," it undeniably became a significant moment for Windows on Arm.

Major Announcements and Innovations

The journey began at CES in January 2024, where Microsoft set the tone by announcing the arrival of AI PCs, alongside the first major keyboard redesign in 30 years, introducing a dedicated Copilot key. Although the initial reception was somewhat mixed, it paved the way for deeper integrations of AI into daily computing.

In May, during a special event, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella showcased the company’s latest Copilot Plus PC devices. This launch was met with renewed optimism within Microsoft, as the company was poised to challenge the dominance of Apple's MacBook Air for the first time in years.

The Game-Changing Processor

A major driving force behind Windows on Arm’s resurgence was Qualcomm’s groundbreaking Snapdragon X Elite processors, revealed in April. These chips not only matched the performance and efficiency of Apple’s MacBooks but also compelled Intel and AMD to step up their game in the x86 space. With benchmarks showing that Windows on Arm could rival the MacBook Air, Qualcomm even enlisted the famous “I’m a Mac” actor to promote its push against Apple’s laptop supremacy.

Crucially, Microsoft and Qualcomm collaborated with developers to ensure key applications were compatible. It has become increasingly rare to encounter app compatibility issues, thanks to more developers releasing Arm64 versions of their software. Even tech giant Google has committed to supporting Windows on Arm by releasing Arm64 versions of Chrome and Google Drive. The only lingering issue remains in gaming, where x86 architecture still rules supreme.

Competition and Responses from Rivals

As Windows on Arm gained traction, traditional powerhouses like Intel and AMD were not idle. In September, Intel introduced their Lunar Lake processors, showcasing impressive performance and fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, AMD’s Ryzen AI chips began to compete head-to-head with Qualcomm's offerings. Both Intel and AMD maintained a crucial advantage in gaming compatibility, a key area where Windows on Arm still has ground to cover.

In October, Apple surprised many by upgrading its entry-level MacBooks to include 16GB of RAM, just months after the launch of Copilot Plus PCs. Although the company integrated the new M4 chip into its MacBook Pro, they still have a ways to go in countering Qualcomm’s advances.

AI Features: Hits and Misses

Both Microsoft and Apple directed their efforts towards AI-powered features, leading to some underwhelming results. Microsoft’s flagship AI feature, Recall—a tool designed to snapshot user activity for later reference—encountered privacy concerns that delayed its rollout several times. Despite these challenges, Microsoft remains committed to AI and cloud integration in Windows, as indicated by Pavan Davuluri, who stated that the future of Windows centers around these technologies.

What to Expect in 2025

Looking ahead, 2025 is poised to be a fascinating battleground between x86 architectures and Windows on Arm. With AMD and Intel aligning forces against Qualcomm’s Arm chips, and Intel navigating a phase of upheaval following executive changes and workforce reductions, the competition will intensify.

A recent leak from Dell hinted that Qualcomm is preparing new chips for 2025, which will likely contribute to more affordable Windows on Arm laptops. Additionally, the upcoming CES in January is expected to unveil a slew of new devices that could set the course for the upcoming year.

The leak also suggested that graphics powerhouse Nvidia plans to announce its next-generation GPUs, signaling an exciting time for x86 laptops as they seek to enhance gaming experiences. Furthermore, speculation arises that Nvidia may enter the Arm PC chip market as early as 2025, leveraging their AI expertise to disrupt both the gaming and productivity sectors.

With an impending clash among Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm shaping up, 2025 promises to be an exhilarating year for Windows laptops, brimming with competition and innovation that users won’t want to miss. Stay tuned as this thrilling narrative of technology unfolds!