In an astonishing turn, I find myself using an Arm-powered Windows laptop daily, a feat that feels surreal, especially after more than a decade of attempts to seize this reality. 2024 marked a groundbreaking year for Microsoft and Qualcomm, who finally perfected their Windows on Arm efforts with the introduction of Copilot Plus PCs. These innovative laptops come with remarkable battery life and performance, effectively vanishing the app compatibility concerns that have historically plagued the Windows on Arm landscape—although gaming remains a notable exception.

Microsoft had ambitions to declare 2024 "the year of the AI PC," but in my view, it undeniably emerged as the year of Windows on Arm. If the momentum of 2024 is any indicator, we can only anticipate even greater advancements in 2025.

Major Announcements Set the Stage

Kicking off the year, Microsoft made impressive announcements at CES in January, which included the first significant redesign of Windows keyboards in the past three decades. The introduction of a Copilot key allowed users to summon Microsoft's AI assistant instantly. Although this feature has faced its share of mixed reviews and user confusion, it remains a focal point for many.

The rivalry between Mac and PC reignited with Microsoft's unveiling of the Copilot Plus PC line in May, showcasing devices designed to compete directly with Apple's MacBook Air—once a long-standing leader in this space. CEO Satya Nadella exuded confidence, signaling a renewed commitment to reclaiming territory in the laptop market.

The Processor that Made It All Possible

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processors emerged as the cornerstone of this revolution. Announced in April, these chips brought performance and efficiency rivaling Apple’s MacBook offerings, compelling Intel and AMD to elevate their game in the x86 market. Independent reviews highlighted that Windows on Arm can indeed hold its ground against Apple, with some benchmarks even surpassing the MacBook Air. In a bold marketing move, Qualcomm enlisted the infamous “I’m a Mac” guy to draw attention to its Windows on Arm PCs, showcasing their confidence against Apple’s long-held dominance.

Thanks to collaborative efforts between Microsoft and app developers, extensive improvements have been made in resolving app compatibility issues. Many popular apps, including Google’s Chrome and Drive, have rolled out native Arm64 versions, improving the transition for new users. That said, the gaming realm remains where x86 architectures still triumph.

Intel and AMD Strike Back

Amidst the excitement for Windows on Arm, Intel and AMD haven’t been idle. At the IFA event in September, Intel introduced its Lunar Lake chips, touting enhanced performance and battery life. Meanwhile, AMD’s Ryzen AI chips have also entered the competition, directly challenging Qualcomm's hold on the market. However, both rivals maintain the crucial x86 advantage in gaming, an area where Windows on Arm has yet to gain traction.

In October, Apple surprised tech enthusiasts with an update to its most affordable MacBook models, which now feature a minimum of 16GB RAM, likely in response to the advancements made by Windows on Arm PCs. Although Apple continues to innovate with its M4 chip in the MacBook Pro, Qualcomm's standing in 2025 will remain under scrutiny.

A Year of AI Features—With Mixed Results

Both Apple and Microsoft have strategically focused on integrating AI features into their laptops this year. But despite high expectations, outcomes have often disappointed users. Microsoft introduced new AI features for Windows devices, including a flagship offering dubbed Recall. This was designed to document users' activities on their laptops but faced skepticism regarding privacy, leading to numerous delays. While this feature is still in testing phases, Microsoft's determination to push forward in AI suggests a continued commitment to innovation in 2025.

Looking Ahead: 2025 Promises to Be Even More Competitive

As we approach 2025, the tech landscape hints at fierce competition between x86 manufacturers and the growing presence of Windows on Arm. With AMD and Intel uniting against Qualcomm’s ascent and Intel navigating its own challenges following high-profile executive changes, the dynamics are primed for upheavals.

A recent leak from Dell indicated that Qualcomm is preparing to launch additional chips aimed at lowering laptop prices, illuminating the competitive landscape we can expect at CES in January. Moreover, rumors swirl around Nvidia's next-gen GPU announcements poised for CES, which may stoke excitement for the x86 gaming experience.

In an ambitious twist, Nvidia might also break into Arm PC chips in 2025, leveraging its leadership in AI and gaming technology. This potential for collaboration could revolutionize the Windows laptop world, making Windows on Arm even more appealing.

Whatever unfolds in the world of laptops next year, one thing is clear: fierce competition is guaranteed between Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. An exhilarating year awaits for tech enthusiasts and consumers alike! Stay tuned for 2025—it's shaping up to be a historic battlefield!