After shaking up the market with the original Snapdragon X Series, Qualcomm looks ready to make another move. This time, the buzz centers around the Snapdragon X2 CPU, a rumored follow-up that could raise the bar for Windows-on-ARM laptops.
Snapdragon X2 CPU may arrive before the year ends

It’s been over a year since the Snapdragon X Elite first landed in Copilot+ PCs. The chip helped Windows laptops close the gap with Apple’s M-series, especially on battery life and efficiency. But time moves fast in Silicon, and now Qualcomm’s next leap seems close. Industry chatter points to a possible reveal by the end of 2025.
Performance may be the Snapdragon X2 CPU’s biggest play
Insiders say the new chip is designed with AI workloads front and center. That likely means a more advanced neural processing unit, faster multi-core handling, and better thermal management. All eyes are on how it will stack up against Intel’s Lunar Lake and AMD’s Ryzen AI lines.
Here’s what leaks suggest:
- Smarter task scheduling with updated thread control
- Improved energy use across demanding applications
- Advanced NPU designed for real-time Copilot+ features
- Closer alignment with ARM-native Windows development
Qualcomm could aim beyond just laptops
Some reports hint that Qualcomm might be ready to expand past notebooks. Devices like compact desktops or premium tablets could also get the X2 treatment. That would put it in the same weight class as Apple’s M3 Max—not just the MacBook Air.
Why the Snapdragon X2 CPU might matter more than you think
The original Snapdragon X Elite proved Qualcomm could challenge the big three. But with Apple, Intel, and AMD all racing ahead, Qualcomm needs more than just a refresh. If the X2 delivers, it could shift expectations again—and cement ARM’s place in the next era of Windows hardware.