Qualcomm confirms Snapdragon X Elite PCs will launch with the "next version of Windows" in June

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Version 24H2 will ship first on new Arm PCs launching mid-2024.

Snapdragon X Elite benchmarks
(Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

  • Qualcomm has confirmed that the first Snapdragon X Elite PCs will launch alongside the next version of Windows in mid-2024.
  • These PCs will be the first to ship with the upcoming Germanium platform release of Windows.
  • Microsoft isn't expected to begin rolling out the next version of Windows until September/October for existing Windows 11 PCs.
  • It's still unclear if the next version of Windows is another Windows 11 feature update, or an all-new Windows 12.

Qualcomm has today confirmed that the first wave of PCs powered by its Snapdragon X Elite chip will launch alongside the next version of Windows this summer. In an earnings call spotted by PC Mag, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon mentioned the plan while asserting these devices are on-schedule to ship starting mid-2024.

"We're tracking to the launch of products with this chipset tied with the next version of Microsoft Windows that has a lot of the Windows AI capabilities. We're still maintaining the same date, which is driven by Windows, which is mid-2024."

This lines up with my previous reporting that the first Windows vNext devices would begin shipping in June, including Microsoft's own next-gen Surface PCs powered by Arm. Qualcomm's CEO has also handily confirmed that the next Windows OS update will be focused on new AI capabilities, something we've known for a while.

What's still unknown is what name this next Windows version will take. I believe Microsoft will continue with the Windows 11 branding, perhaps with an AI tagline, but others think Microsoft will call it Windows 12. I've made several arguments for why I don't think that's the case, but never say never.

My sources say Microsoft is planning to roll out the next Windows OS update in two waves, with the first wave consisting of the Windows Germanium platform release shipping on new Snapdragon X Elite hardware. This update won't be made available as an OTA for existing PCs, as that's not scheduled to take place until September or October once the Hudson Valley update is finalized.

While the June launch window will include some next-gen capabilities, most of the end-user facing features won't appear until the Hudson Valley update is ready, which will ship as an OTA on top of the Germanium platform release in September or October. 

Zac Bowden
Zac Bowden
Senior Editor

Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter and Threads

4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • jonzie23
    Knowing this, seeing the leaked documents saying that MS is considering using ARM for next Xbox and seeing the rumours that MS was supposedly stalling on a new deal with AMD for the next Xbox, is it safe to assume that ARM powered Xboxes might be true after all? I would not mind that at all, and it would be very funny, as they were mocked for using PC components in the first Xbox, and now they would be the ones releasing a 'proper' console of old (well, let's not forget about Nintendo).
    Sony has already secured a deal with AMD, apparently, so we would have 3 completely different consoles once more, in more aspects than just games.
    Now that would be exciting.
    Reply
  • bradavon
    Can't wait for the Surface Laptop 6 with Windows on ARM.

    I've wanted this PC for years and I'm already mostly happy with my Surface Pro X. It runs most apps great, very few issues.

    I can't use Quickshare. That's basically it but I so rarely transfer filess, that aren't photos, between my PC and phone I'm perfectly okay with plugging in the usb cable.

    I can even use the scanner part of my printer without issue, and the printer too.
    Reply
  • ShinyProton
    bradavon said:
    Can't wait for the Surface Laptop 6 with Windows on ARM.

    I've wanted this PC for years and I'm already mostly happy with my Surface Pro X. It runs most apps great, very few issues.

    I can't use Quickshare. That's basically it but I so rarely transfer filess, that aren't photos, between my PC and phone I'm perfectly okay with plugging in the usb cable.

    I can even use the scanner part of my printer without issue, and the printer too.
    I too am very excited by this new Snapdragon - the 8cx Gen 3 being impressively powerful to run Windows 11.

    Meanwhile, instead of throwing money at an overpriced Surface, I went for the Robo&Kala 2-in-1 offering the same performance at less than 1/3 the price.
    Reply
  • Zachary Boddy
    This is the most excited I've been about upcoming Windows hardware in years. I can't wait to see what companies do with this new ARM platform.
    Reply