Qualcomm adopts Arm's latest chip blueprint for AI-powered processors.

Qualcomm has adopted Arm Holdings' newest chip architecture, "v9", in its latest flagship processors for PCs and smartphones. This move aims to boost AI performance and competes with MediaTek and Apple, which already use the v9 platform. The shift answers questions about Qualcomm's commitment to Arm despite legal disputes between the two. Arm stands to benefit financially from the adoption of its newer designs.

Qualcomm, a leading semiconductor company, has announced the adoption of Arm Holdings' newest chip architecture, "v9," in its latest flagship processors for PCs and smartphones. This move is aimed at enhancing AI performance and competing with rivals such as MediaTek and Apple, which have already integrated the v9 platform into their products.

The decision follows a legal battle between Qualcomm and Arm, with the former having previously faced threats of license cancellation from Arm. Despite the ongoing legal dispute, Qualcomm's adoption of the v9 architecture signifies a shift in their relationship and a commitment to leveraging Arm's technology.

The v9 architecture includes several improvements designed to enhance AI performance in applications like chatbots and image generators. This technology, known as an instruction set architecture, controls what kind of apps can run on a central processing unit (CPU). By adopting this technology, Qualcomm aims to stay competitive in the semiconductor market, where competition is intensifying.

While Qualcomm declined to comment on the specific technology used for its newest chips, the company stated that they chose the instructions that make sense for their customers. This flexibility allows Qualcomm to pick and choose the instructions that add value, leveraging their own CPU design team.

The move is expected to boost Arm's revenue as the company charges more for its newer technology. Jay Goldberg, a senior analyst for semiconductors and electronics at Seaport Research Partners, noted that while the financial impact is difficult to calculate, the adoption of the v9 architecture represents a significant development in the relationship between the two companies Exclusive: Qualcomm shifts chips to newer Arm tech as competition with Apple, MediaTek heats up^[1].

The legal battle between Qualcomm and Arm has not completely ended, but the adoption of the v9 architecture marks a positive step for Arm. The companies were once at odds, with Arm threatening to cancel a key license to Qualcomm. However, the recent ruling in Qualcomm's favor in a Delaware court dismissed the final lawsuit filed by Arm, further solidifying Qualcomm's position in the market Qualcomm (QCOM) Wins Legal Battle Against Arm Holdings (ARM)^[3].

As the smartphone chip market shows signs of slowing, both companies are strategically repositioning to capitalize on the growing demand for computing across various sectors, from computers to AI systems. Qualcomm remains a key chip supplier to major smartphone manufacturers like Samsung Electronics.