Android laptops are almost here, Qualcomm is at the forefront of development

For some time now, Google and its Arm ecosystem partners have been secretly developing a new “Android PC” project under wraps. New reports confirm that the first devices from this line are nearly ready. However, early information suggests these systems might have relatively modest hardware compared to competing platforms.

Earlier in September, Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, teased new “incredible” Android PC devices. According to the latest leaks from Korea, Qualcomm is currently working on Android 16 compatibility for its Snapdragon X and Snapdragon X Elite SoCs—chipsets that debuted over a year ago to power Windows on Arm laptops.

Choosing the Snapdragon X (Elite) platform for these initial Android PCs seems to be a cautious decision. Qualcomm has already developed its Snapdragon X2 (Elite) lineup for upcoming Windows on Arm devices, which is expected to offer notable performance improvements and compete more directly with Apple’s M4 Pro chip.

Google has stated that the Android PC project, developed in partnership with Qualcomm, will serve as a technical foundation for developing Android into a full-fledged desktop operating system. However, relying on older hardware when competitors are launching cutting-edge platforms casts doubt on the project’s ambition and readiness. Many already suspect that Android PCs may follow a similar path to ChromeOS.

What is now confirmed is that Qualcomm is in the early stages of enabling Android to use its PC chips. Additional updates are expected to add support for newer Snapdragon processors.

Android PCs could be a key step in Qualcomm’s PC ambitions. Currently, Windows on ARM has received a lukewarm market response, giving Qualcomm a small but expanding market share. The company believes Android may help bring its PC-grade chips to a broader audience.