The world of personal computing is undergoing a seismic shift, and at the heart of this transformation is a name you might already know from your smartphone: Arm. For years, Arm’s architecture has quietly powered nearly every smartphone on the planet, but now, the company is setting its sights on a much bigger prize—the PC market, long dominated by Intel.
Imagine a future where your laptop or tablet is not just faster, but smarter and more efficient, thanks to the same technology that keeps your phone running all day. That’s the vision Arm is bringing to life as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a must-have feature in personal computers.
Why Arm’s Move Matters
Chris Bergey, Arm’s Senior Vice President, recently shared that he expects 40% of PCs and tablets shipped this year to be based on Arm architecture—a number that’s only set to grow. While Arm already commands 99% of the smartphone market, its push into Windows laptops and Chromebooks is shaking up the status quo. In Chromebooks alone, Arm’s share is about 25%, but that’s quickly rising as more manufacturers embrace its power-efficient designs.
The Power Efficiency Advantage
AI is notorious for demanding lots of processing power, which can drain batteries and generate heat. Arm’s reputation for power efficiency gives it a unique edge. Devices built on Arm chips can handle AI workloads locally—right on your device—without constantly relying on the cloud. This not only saves energy but also boosts privacy and responsiveness.
For developers and businesses, this shift means lower costs. Instead of paying for cloud-based AI processing, more work can be done on the device itself, making AI features more accessible and affordable.
Edge Computing: The Next Frontier
Edge computing is a game-changer. By processing data on the device rather than sending it to the cloud, users benefit from faster response times, improved privacy, and reduced reliance on internet connectivity. As Microsoft integrates AI tools like Copilot and Recall into Windows, the demand for PCs that can handle AI at the edge is skyrocketing.
Arm is ready for this new era, offering AI libraries like Kleidi to help developers build smarter applications. Partnerships with chipmakers and PC manufacturers are accelerating the adoption of Arm-based solutions, with companies like MediaTek introducing high-performance chips for Chromebooks.
Industry Shifts and What’s Next
Intel, once the undisputed leader in PC chips, is now reorganizing to catch up in the AI race. Meanwhile, Nvidia’s focus on AI-ready GPUs has given it a head start, and Apple’s full transition to Arm-based silicon for Macs has validated Arm’s approach.
For consumers and businesses alike, the message is clear: the next generation of PCs will be defined by their ability to run AI efficiently and securely. As you consider your next device, look for features like AI acceleration and power-efficient architecture—they’ll be essential for future workloads and longer device lifespans.
Key Takeaways
- Arm is rapidly expanding into the PC market, challenging Intel’s dominance.
- Power efficiency and AI readiness are driving Arm’s success in new device categories.
- Edge computing is becoming critical for privacy, cost savings, and performance.
- Industry giants like Microsoft and Apple are accelerating the shift to AI-powered, Arm-based devices.
- When buying a new PC, prioritize AI capabilities and efficient chip architecture to stay ahead of the curve.