A recent leak suggests that NVIDIA will introduce its first ARM-based processors for Windows devices later this year. According to leaker “HaYaO,” the company plans to release two chips: the N1X, expected in Q4 2025, and the N1, which will follow in 2026.
These CPUs are being developed in partnership with MediaTek, with production estimates of 3 million N1X units by the end of 2025 and 13 million N1 units by the time of their release. The N1X is designed as a high-performance chip, while the N1 aims to cater to a broader audience with a more accessible option.
While many anticipated NVIDIA would unveil these ARM-based processors at CES 2025, the company instead focused on its GeForce RTX 50 “Blackwell” GPUs and AI-driven projects. However, the processors are likely to be showcased at Computex 2025, scheduled for May.
Details about the architecture and specifications of these CPUs remain under wraps, but NVIDIA’s intentions are clear: to compete with Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm in the AI-powered PC market. As Qualcomm is currently the sole player leveraging ARM for Windows devices, NVIDIA’s goal appears to be challenging Qualcomm’s advantage with its “PC Copilot+” platform.
Long-term NVIDIA project
Rumors of a partnership between NVIDIA and MediaTek to produce ARM-based processors have been circulating since 2023. With NVIDIA already dominating the GPU market, the company seems poised to expand its presence into the Windows CPU market, focusing heavily on artificial intelligence.
NVIDIA is no stranger to ARM-based architectures. The company’s Grace CPUs, designed for the server market, utilize ARM, as do the Tegra processors, one of which is rumored to power the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
A key emphasis for these new CPUs will be artificial intelligence. NVIDIA is expected to go beyond simply supporting Microsoft’s PC Copilot+—a feature available on Windows 11 laptops powered by Snapdragon X processors. While specific details about the AI capabilities of these new CPUs are still under wraps, NVIDIA’s deep experience in the AI space suggests that they could introduce innovative functionalities tailored to the AI-powered PC market.
