Qualcomm has made a significant stride in the competitive landscape of PC processors with the unveiling of its Snapdragon X Plus 8-core chip at the IFA conference in Berlin. This new processor is tailored for PCs running Microsoft’s Windows operating system and is designed to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities while maintaining impressive battery life. The introduction of this chip marks a pivotal moment for Qualcomm as it seeks to challenge Intel’s longstanding dominance in the PC processor market, particularly at a time when Intel faces increasing pressures.
The Snapdragon X Plus expands Qualcomm’s existing Snapdragon X Series, which was launched last year, and aims to cater to a broader range of devices, with PCs priced as low as 0. Historically, Qualcomm has focused on smartphone chipsets, powering devices for major manufacturers like Samsung. However, the company’s recent collaboration with Microsoft, which includes the launch of Surface Laptop and Surface Pro tablets equipped with Qualcomm’s X Series chips, signifies a strategic pivot towards the PC market. These devices, branded as Copilot+ PCs, can perform certain AI tasks offline, showcasing the potential of Qualcomm’s technology.
In a recent interview, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon articulated the company’s vision for diversification beyond mobile chipsets. He emphasized that the transformation of the PC market is driven by two key trends: the convergence of mobile and PC technology, where consumers expect similar performance levels, and the integration of AI into desktop computing. Amon remarked, “We are on a journey to diversify and make sure our technology is now expanding into other markets.”
Industry analysts view Qualcomm’s timing as crucial. Neil Shah from Counterpoint Research pointed out the growing demand for “on-device AI,” which allows applications to run directly on hardware rather than relying on internet connectivity. Qualcomm’s expertise in low-power AI processing positions it well to meet this demand. The Snapdragon X Series is built on Arm architecture, enabling efficient energy use and extended battery life—an essential feature for modern computing devices.
PC chip roadmap
Looking ahead, Qualcomm aims to broaden its AI-focused Snapdragon X line across all personal computing devices, including smaller form factors. Amon stated, “It’s about now bringing AI PCs to mainstream. We see a great opportunity to expand your desktop market from scale.” Future developments will include mini desktops and a comprehensive product roadmap that promises to enhance Qualcomm’s presence in the PC sector.
Several leading PC manufacturers, such as Lenovo, have already integrated Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series chips into their offerings, including the Copilot+ PCs. While Qualcomm’s current revenue from the PC segment remains modest, projections indicate a potential 300% increase in shipments of PCs powered by Qualcomm processors this year compared to the last.
As Qualcomm forges ahead, Intel has responded with its own line of processors, the Intel Core Ultra 200V series, designed to support AI on PCs, emphasizing power efficiency. Amon has indicated that Qualcomm will provide updates on sales figures for Surface PCs equipped with its chips in November, noting that initial sales have exceeded expectations. Both Qualcomm and Microsoft are optimistic about the future, viewing this collaboration as just the beginning of a transformative journey in the PC market.
