NVIDIA to Launch Arm-Based AI PCs in 2025 #
The rise of generative AI applications has driven massive demand for AI servers, but it is also reshaping the PC and mobile markets. NVIDIA is preparing to expand into the AI PC era, with reports from the supply chain suggesting that the company plans to launch its own Arm-based CPU and GPU platform for consumer and commercial PCs in September 2025.
This move signals NVIDIA’s renewed ambition to challenge Intel and AMD in the x86-dominated PC market, while strengthening the Windows on Arm (WOA) ecosystem.
NVIDIA’s Strategy Shift: Partnering with MediaTek and Going Solo #
Industry insiders previously revealed that NVIDIA might collaborate with MediaTek to develop an AI PC platform. In fact, NVIDIA and MediaTek already cooperate in other areas, such as automotive smart cockpit chips. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang even joined MediaTek’s COMPUTEX keynote earlier this year, underscoring the importance of their partnership.
However, sources now indicate that NVIDIA may pursue a dual strategy:
- With MediaTek: Co-develop select products for edge and cloud computing.
- Independently: Launch a complete Arm-based CPU + GPU platform for high-end consumer PCs (September 2025) and commercial systems (March 2026).
NVIDIA’s Longstanding Ambition in the PC Market #
NVIDIA has been eyeing the PC processor market for more than a decade, aiming to compete directly with Intel and AMD. Despite setbacks in the past, NVIDIA’s strengths in AI GPUs and Arm CPU design (e.g., Tegra and Grace processors) have significantly improved its competitive position.
- Arm CPU expertise: Enhanced through years of R&D
- GPU leadership: AI acceleration remains NVIDIA’s strongest advantage
- Supply chain leverage: Dominance in AI server GPUs gives NVIDIA strong bargaining power with OEMs
Given these advantages, industry experts believe NVIDIA has a much higher chance of success in its latest attempt to break into the AI PC market.
The AI PC Market: Challenges and Opportunities #
The Windows on Arm (WOA) ecosystem has been a long work in progress. Microsoft first introduced WOA in 2011 with Windows RT, but early products like Surface RT failed due to compatibility and performance issues.
The tide turned when Apple transitioned to Arm-based M1 processors in 2020, proving that Arm CPUs could power high-performance personal computers. This boosted confidence in WOA and reignited competition in the PC market.
In 2024, Qualcomm led the AI PC wave with the Snapdragon X Elite, partnering with Acer, ASUS, Lenovo, HP, Dell, and Microsoft to release Copilot+ PCs. However, the platform faced:
- Compatibility challenges that limited adoption
- Strong competition from Intel and AMD AI PCs with improved performance and efficiency
- Legal disputes between Qualcomm and Arm, further complicating adoption
With Qualcomm struggling, industry focus has shifted to NVIDIA and MediaTek as the next major players in AI PCs.
Why NVIDIA’s AI PC Platform Matters #
If NVIDIA successfully launches its Arm-based AI PC platform in 2025, it could become a game-changer:
- Strengthen the Windows on Arm ecosystem
- Provide OEMs with more AI GPU supply at a time of strong demand
- Challenge Intel and AMD’s dominance in the consumer and enterprise PC market
- Position NVIDIA as a leader in AI-powered personal computing
With AI already driving record revenue in the server market, NVIDIA is leveraging its supply chain strength and technical leadership to expand into PCs.
Final Thoughts #
The AI PC battle is heating up. While Qualcomm kicked off the first wave, NVIDIA’s entry—with its Arm-based CPU + GPU platform—could shift the balance of power in 2025.
By combining its AI GPU expertise, Arm CPU design, and ecosystem partnerships, NVIDIA may finally succeed in an area it has been eyeing for over a decade. If so, Intel and AMD could face their toughest challenger yet in the PC space.