First, it was Apple, with its Apple Silicon SoCs, and now it seems that Microsoft would be thinking of following that same path by developing its own ARM-based processor.
According to Bloomberg, the company would be designing its own processors based on ARM architecture and replace the x86 chips that have been used primarily so far, in order to be less dependent on Intel’s Xeons.
The sources also claim that Microsoft is already developing an ARM processor specifically intended for servers — for use in data centers and is even considering creating a parallel for the future line of Surface laptops.
So far, Microsoft Azure servers are based mainly on Intel processors, but if this news is confirmed, this situation could change in the medium term. It does not seem likely, however, that the company will consider abandoning x86, but it does consider a certain diversification, thus avoiding excessive dependence on Intel, which is currently its main supplier.
Given Microsoft’s deep partnership with Intel, AMD, and now Qualcomm, bringing proprietary ARM chips to its Surface while abandoning its partners would be a heavy and delicate change for the software giant.
