Copilot+ will only work on Qualcomm laptops on its June 18th launch

Microsoft’s Copilot+, a new unveiling by the company, is set to bring high-tech artificial intelligence features on PCs. But, there’s an interesting turn of events: at the time it’s released, Copilot+ will not be compatible with Intel or AMD processors.

However, at first the introduction will be focused on devices running Snapdragon processors and it has been planned to happen by June 18th. This choice shows a big change in Microsoft’s approach, putting more importance on ARM silicon instead of the usual x86 structure from Intel and AMD.

In Computex 2024, Intel and AMD showed off their latest x86 chips. The NPUs in these chips are powerful, with a maximum speed of 50 TOPS. These features go beyond what Microsoft asked for Copilot+. But even so, at first devices that use this kind of processor will not have Copilot+ characteristics. This time, it appears that Microsoft is teaming up more closely with Qualcomm. It might be the initial case where Windows provides backing for ARM-based devices even before x86 hardware; however, it does not necessarily imply exclusivity but can be seen as a significant shift in direction.

Copilot+ will still come for x86 CPU laptops

Regarding Copilot+ availability on x86 hardware, it is anticipated to arrive possibly by Q4 of this year. Microsoft has affirmed that Intel, AMD and Qualcomm are all vital collaborators in the Copilot+ mission. The delay for x86 support appears more related to timing of software updates rather than lack of cooperation. Intel and AMD did not mention any exact schedules for their processors to work with Copilot+. We can anticipate updates coming after these processors are released.

In an interesting development, there is a rumor that Copilot+ may not be fully prepared for Snapdragon PCs, either. Microsoft seems to be rushing against time as they get ready for the launch planned for June 18th. The hurry involves making certain features like Recall and Cocreator function correctly and on schedule. And with all the turmoil around Recall’s privacy concerns, we can expect anything.

It’s clear that initially, Qualcomm was Microsoft’s preferred partner, but now they are also thinking about offering support for dedicated GPUs in desktops. This is an important recognition because many people who use Windows prefer laptops yet still have investments in Intel-powered devices.

If you are excitedly waiting for laptops with either Intel’s Lunar Lake or AMD’s Strix Point processors, then perhaps the wait for Copilot+ is pretty close. Both processors are anticipated to be sent out in small amounts at first, but Microsoft’s dedication in making Copilot+ available on x86 hardware stays strong.

This is an interesting shift for Microsoft, showing a more comprehensive acceptance of ARM technology while not severing its connections with Intel and AMD completely. While we anticipate additional information, it’s apparent that the path ahead for Windows and AI on PCs is changing. Copilot+ seems to lead this transition.

What do you think about the latest developments in the Copilot+ PC saga? Let us know in the comments below.