Qualcomm has officially announced that the initial batch of computers featuring its Snapdragon X Elite processor will hit the market concurrently with the next edition of Windows, scheduled for release this summer. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon revealed this timetable, affirming that these devices are set to be available from mid-2024 onward.
Amon stated, “We’re aligning the launch of products with this chipset alongside the next iteration of Microsoft Windows, which incorporates significant Windows AI functionalities. We’re staying on track with the same timeline, which is determined by Windows, slated for mid-2024.”
This aligns with previous reports suggesting that the first wave of Windows vNext devices would commence shipping in June, including Microsoft’s forthcoming Arm-based Surface PCs. Additionally, Qualcomm’s CEO confirmed that the upcoming Windows OS update will prioritize new AI capabilities, a detail that has been anticipated for some time.
However, the specific name for this upcoming Windows version remains undisclosed. While some speculate Microsoft will stick with the Windows 11 branding, possibly appending an AI-centric tagline, others believe it could be named Windows 12. Despite arguments against this, the final decision is yet to be revealed.
Insiders indicate that Microsoft intends to roll out the next Windows OS update in two phases. The initial wave will introduce the Windows Germanium platform release, accompanying the launch of new hardware featuring Snapdragon X Elite processors. However, this update will not be immediately available as an over-the-air (OTA) update for existing PCs. The OTA release is scheduled for September or October, coinciding with the Hudson Valley update’s completion.
While the June release window will introduce some next-generation capabilities, most user-facing features will debut with the Hudson Valley update in September or October, which will be delivered as an OTA update atop the Germanium platform release.
Key Points:
- The first Snapdragon X Elite PCs will debut alongside the next Windows version in mid-2024.
- These PCs will be the first to run the upcoming Windows Germanium platform release.
- Microsoft’s rollout of the next Windows version for existing Windows 11 PCs is anticipated for September/October.
- The exact nature of the next Windows version, whether it’s a Windows 11 feature update or an entirely new Windows 12, remains uncertain.
