The year 2024 marked a turning point for Windows on Arm laptops, with significant advancements in performance and app compatibility, primarily driven by the collaborative efforts of Microsoft and Qualcomm. Despite initial focus on AI integration, the year became a stage for Windows on Arm to challenge established x86 architecture, paving the way for intense competition in 2025.

The introduction of the Copilot key on keyboards early in the year signaled Microsoft’s intent to emphasize AI, though its reception was lukewarm, and the Copilot experience went through multiple iterations. However, the focus quickly shifted to performance and efficiency, with Microsoft directly challenging Apple's MacBook Air. This shift in strategy was coupled with the reveal of the Copilot Plus PCs in May.

A key development in the resurgence of Windows on Arm was the debut of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors in April. These processors provided unprecedented performance and power efficiency, allowing Windows on Arm to rival Apple’s MacBook Air. Following benchmark comparisons and positive reviews, Qualcomm further emphasized the platform's potential by hiring a key personality from Apple's advertising campaigns.

Microsoft and Qualcomm also worked on bolstering app compatibility, making native Arm64 versions and improving emulators. Several major developers, including Google with Chrome and Google Drive, created Arm64 versions of their applications to support Windows on Arm. Although gaming remains a dominant space for the x86 architecture, the improved app ecosystem made the transition to Windows on Arm devices more appealing.

Intel and AMD were not idle during these developments. Intel unveiled its Lunar Lake processors with improved battery performance, and AMD launched Ryzen AI chips. Both retained the game compatibility advantage which Windows on Arm lacked, setting up a fierce competitive arena for the coming year.

While Apple enhanced its MacBook Air with a RAM upgrade, the company also introduced its new M4 chip in the MacBook Pro recently. The move shows that despite the 2024 advancements of the Windows on Arm platform, Qualcomm still has ground to cover. Both Apple and Microsoft focused on AI features, with Microsoft introducing Windows AI features alongside the Copilot Plus PC launch in June.

Microsoft's flagship AI feature, Recall, faced considerable privacy and security concerns and was delayed multiple times, undergoing security improvements before recently entering testing. Despite these challenges, Microsoft's commitment to AI in Windows remains firm, with plans to emphasize cloud and AI integration in 2025.

Looking forward, 2025 promises to be a decisive year for Windows laptops. Leaks indicate Qualcomm is developing new chips, with cheaper Arm options to potentially lower the price of devices. Additionally, Dell is hinting that Nvidia is planning to unveil new GPU technologies at CES, which could reignite excitement around x86 laptops for gaming.

Nvidia, known for its expertise in both AI and gaming technologies, is also rumored to be developing Arm PC chips for launch as soon as 2025. The company's entry into the market could be transformative and will potentially boost Windows on Arm. The ongoing competition among Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm will drive innovation and shape the landscape of Windows laptops in 2025.