Intel interim CEO ‘publicly’ shares concerns on ARM-based PCs ‘high return rates’; Qualcomm retaliates – Times of India

Qualcomm has firmly rebutted Intel’s interim co-CEO Michelle Johnston Holthaus’s assertion that Snapdragon X Elite-powered Windows PCs are experiencing high return rates due to software compatibility issues.
In a direct response to claims made at the Barclays 22nd Annual Global Technology Conference, a Qualcomm representative told CRN that their “device return rates are within industry norm” and that their products continue to maintain over 4-star ratings across consumer reviews.
Holthaus had suggested that retailers were concerned about a “large percentage” of Arm-based PCs being returned, citing unspecified conversations with retailers. However, Qualcomm stands by the performance and reception of its new Snapdragon X Elite processors.
Currently, Snapdragon X Elite-powered machines represent a small but growing segment of the PC market, capturing just 0.8% of market share in the third quarter. Arm-based client PCs overall account for approximately 10% of the market, with the majority being Apple’s M-series systems.
Despite the current limited adoption, Qualcomm remains optimistic about the future of Arm-based Windows PCs. The company projects that within five years, 30% to 50% of laptops could transition from traditional x86 architecture to alternative platforms like Arm.