Microsoft Designing ARM Chip For Azure and Surface
December 18, 2020
Microsoft is reportedly developing its own line of ARM-based chips for use in Azure servers and, possibly, Surface devices.
Apple upturned the industry when it announced at WWDC 2020 that it was transitioning its Mac line of computers to its custom silicon, based on ARM designs. Early tests show that Apple’s new M1 MacBooks are faster than even the fastest Intel-based MacBook.
When Apple first announced its plans, Jean-Louis Gassée said Microsoft would be forced to adopt ARM processors to keep up with Apple’s newfound performance.
“This leaves Microsoft with a choice: Either forget Windows on ARM and cede modern PCs to Apple, or forge ahead, fix app compatibility problems and offer an ARM-based alternative to Apple’s new Macs,” said Gassée. “It’s a false dilemma, of course. Microsoft will forge ahead…with repercussions for the rest of the Windows PC industry.”