A well-known insider KeplerL2 has revealed that Microsoft intends to launch Surface line devices powered by a cutting-edge ARM processor from AMD in 2026. The upcoming chip, currently under development with the codename Sound Wave, marks a significant step in Microsoft’s collaboration with AMD for its Surface lineup.
The Sound Wave processor features a 6-core APU architecture, combining two high-performance cores with four energy-efficient cores. Its integrated graphics will rely on the RDNA 3.5 architecture, equipped with four computing units. Designed specifically for low-power devices, the processor operates within a thermal design power (TDP) range of 5-10 watts.
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Despite these advancements, the Sound Wave chip is unlikely to match the performance levels of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite. Given its specifications, the processor appears well-suited for the next generation of compact and lightweight Surface devices, such as the Surface Go or Surface Hub series.
This development signals a notable milestone for Microsoft. If the report holds true, these devices will represent the first Surface products to feature an AMD processor since the Surface Laptop 4.
NVIDIA and Qualcomm: Shaping the Future of ARM Processors
In addition to AMD’s efforts, rumors suggest that NVIDIA is also developing its own ARM-based processor tailored for Windows 11 on ARM devices. Like AMD’s Sound Wave, NVIDIA’s chip is slated for release in 2026. This move indicates growing competition in the ARM processor market, posing a potential challenge to Qualcomm’s dominance.
Meanwhile, Qualcomm continues to strengthen its position. The company plans to unveil its next-generation Snapdragon X2 processors in September 2025. These chips are expected to power flagship Surface models, including the Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8, reinforcing Qualcomm’s stronghold in the premium segment of the market.
A New Era of Innovation
The anticipated releases from AMD, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm highlight a transformative period for the ARM processor ecosystem. As these tech giants prepare to roll out their latest innovations, the competition promises to drive advancements in performance, efficiency, and device capabilities. For Microsoft, this represents an opportunity to diversify its Surface portfolio while leveraging the strengths of multiple partners in the semiconductor industry.
Consumers can expect a wave of new Surface devices in the coming years, each designed to cater to varying performance and power efficiency needs. The year 2026 could mark a turning point in the evolution of Windows on ARM, setting the stage for a more competitive and dynamic market landscape.
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