MediaTek to Challenge Qualcomm in Arm-powered Windows PC Market
MediaTek is gearing up to compete with Qualcomm in the market for Arm-powered Windows computers once Qualcomm’s exclusive deal expires. Qualcomm currently holds the exclusive rights to produce Arm-based chips for Windows PCs, with the agreement believed to be ending around 2024. MediaTek is reportedly working on its own MediaTek PC chip, set to launch by the end of 2025, according to Reuters.
The Taiwanese company is expected to utilize Arm’s existing designs for their chips, which will streamline the development and production process significantly. MediaTek is known for producing high-performing chips that rival Qualcomm’s best, so there is optimism that a Windows PC chip from MediaTek will perform exceptionally well.
Moreover, a MediaTek chip could offer a viable alternative for Microsoft and PC manufacturers, especially in light of Qualcomm’s legal issues with Arm. Arm filed a lawsuit against Qualcomm in mid-2022 after Qualcomm acquired Nuvia, a chip designer founded by former Apple engineers. Arm claims that Qualcomm breached their license agreement by attempting to transfer Nuvia licenses without Arm’s consent.
Arm is seeking to have all Qualcomm chips based on Nuvia designs, including the latest Snapdragon X chips, destroyed. This legal battle could have significant implications for Microsoft and its PC partners, particularly following the recent launch of Qualcomm-powered Copilot+ PCs.
With the potential threat of Qualcomm losing its legal battle with Arm, a MediaTek chip could serve as a valuable asset for the growing Windows on Arm market. It could provide a sense of security and stability amidst the uncertainty surrounding Qualcomm’s future in the Arm-powered Windows PC market.
