Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series chips are now said to be in 10% of high-end Windows PCs in the U.S. that cost $800 or more—a significant rise from just 0.8% in Q3 of last year. This achievement was shared during Qualcomm’s Q1 2025 earnings call. While the 10% statistic might sound impressive, it’s crucial to understand that it pertains solely to the high-end Windows PC market, which is a specific segment.
Growing Popularity
The Snapdragon X chips are designed for devices that are always on and connected, gaining popularity for their excellent balance of performance and efficiency. Qualcomm has additionally announced an octa-core Snapdragon X chip aimed at lowering the entry price for these devices to about $600. This price reduction may attract a larger audience to consider this new platform, potentially boosting its market share even further. Furthermore, the increasing number of apps that are getting native support for this platform enhances its attractiveness.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Qualcomm is eyeing substantial growth. The company has set a goal of securing over 50% of the Windows PC market in the next five years. To achieve this, Qualcomm is introducing a variety of mini PCs and laptops powered by its Snapdragon X chips. ITHome reports that over 80 different PC models featuring these chips are set to launch this year, with an additional 100 models expected next year. This means that consumers in this price bracket will have a wide range of lightweight options boasting impressive battery life and possibly various on-device AI capabilities.
Microsoft’s Contributions
In a related context, Microsoft is working on integrating more on-device AI features into its PCs, starting with those powered by Snapdragon X chips. However, consumer awareness of ARM-based Windows PCs remains somewhat limited, and Qualcomm faces the challenge of persuading users of the advantages of its chips, like extended battery life and native app support.
