Microsoft is aggressively working on several projects, with the recent Microsoft job listing indicating that the company is looking to work on their operating system to function on ARM-based computers. Apple has shown that you can build a really powerful desktop experience with ARM-based processors, and the company has made a mainstream laptop with Apple’s M SoC. Microsoft is likely to develop its in-house silicon-based ARM to take on Apple.
We have already seen how Windows 11 has evolved. The first thing is that it has a large icon which feels quite similar to the mobile operating system as new generations use mobile-first, reflecting the mobile-first usage. Also, the elements of Windows 11 have changed and adopted web-based applications like the new Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams, and the company has also updated its Microsoft Edge with features like Workspace, Better Power Management, and more.
The company has also discontinued Windows 10 in favour of Windows 11 because it is more well-optimized and ready for mass consumers. We have also seen reports about Windows 12 being in the works. Talking about Windows 12 will be more optimized for silicon, and since Microsoft started leveraging its AI capabilities, Windows 12 is likely to have better AI integration.
Microsoft to Compete Against Apple’s ARM-Based Laptops
Microsoft has had ARM-based Windows laptops for so long, but they were lacking behind. However, after Apple introduced their MacBooks with M-series laptops, people and the company changed their perspective as the company started building and optimizing their software to better support ARM-based laptops.
Windows 12 elements have already started testing with Windows 11. Similarly, ahead of Windows 11 launch, the company has been testing several elements of Windows 11 in Windows 10, like the widgets and widgets icons. Similarly, Windows 11 already features many AI-powered features like the AI-driven Smart Snap, which was added with the Canary build of Windows 11. The company recently also officially made Windows 11 compatible with ARM-based Macs in VM. It officially supports Windows 11 on virtual machines on Macs powered by Apple’s M1 and M2 SoC.
The company is also working on the Windows Core Project, which focuses on various modular and customizable versions of Windows for different form factors. To improve performance and security, the company recently released the Rust programming language to replace the Windows Kernel code. Also, some Project Core suggested better security, AI, fast updates, etc.
You can still use Windows 11 to run on Macs with Apple’s M1 and M2 using Parallel Desktop v18. However, running the ARM version of Windows 11 on an Apple device is not an authorized solution. Despite Microsoft having a limitation on CPUs to support Windows 11, they have been offering to run it in a virtual machine.
Microsoft Silicon Team and AI Integration Working for ARM-Based Windows 12
It’s unclear how capable Windows 12-based laptops will be, but the company is looking for a principal SoC Silicon Architecture with experience in high-performance SoC architecture and CPU and GPU architecture design. They will be responsible for building complex, state-of-the-art SoC using leading technology nodes, and collaborating closely with internal customers and partners.
Additionally, the company is seeking SoC Programming Models, Comprehensive and clear SoC performance requirements, and working with custom hardware and software teams. Apart from this, a job listing suggests the company is ready to invest heavily in developing its in-house ARM SoC. Windows 12’s silicon-optimized version and the new ARM Chip will bring more efficiency, performance improvements, and a better AI integration-focused platform to compete against Apple.
Microsoft is expected to announce by the end of Windows 12 in 2024. All the details from the job listing describe a role in custom silicon accelerators, System on Chips (SoCs), and high-performance, high-bandwidth designs and Principle System on Chip (SoC) Silicon architect with high-performance SoC architecture and CPU and/or GPU architecture and design.
