Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon C, an ARM-based processor designed for entry-level Windows 11 laptops. These devices are expected to start at approximately $300 and will ship in late 2026.
The platform features a neural processing unit (NPU) for on-device AI tasks. It promises all-day battery life for lightweight productivity but will not support full Microsoft Copilot+ features.
Acer, HP, and Lenovo are confirmed manufacturing partners for the new platform. This strategy targets the education and budget markets currently dominated by Google’s Chromebooks.
The Snapdragon C also positions Qualcomm to compete with Apple’s rumored low-cost MacBook Neo. This move aims to establish a Windows-based alternative in the entry-level segment.