Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite arrived at exactly the right moment. Windows on ARM has been steadily getting better, with more native apps and improved overall performance, and the new chipset is positioned as a true heavyweight—aimed at competing with Apple’s upcoming M5-class chips as well as traditional x86 laptop processors. For the first time in a while, it feels like the hardware and the software are lining up for Windows on ARM to become a mainstream choice.
But a growing conversation among laptop buyers and enthusiasts suggests a major problem could slow that momentum: pricing. The concern is that laptop makers are treating Snapdragon X2 Elite devices like luxury products, chasing quick profits instead of helping Windows on ARM expand into the broader market. And if adoption stalls, developer support could stall with it—putting the entire platform’s progress at risk.
The logic is simple. Developers follow users. If Windows on ARM laptops remain a niche purchase because prices stay too high, many software teams won’t see enough return on investment to prioritize ARM-native versions of their apps. That means fewer optimized programs, which makes the platform less attractive, which then reduces adoption even more—a cycle Windows on ARM can’t afford right now.
One example raised in the discussion centers on ASUS and its Zenbook A16. It initially stood out as a strong value at $1,599.99, drawing attention for offering compelling hardware at a relatively competitive price in the premium laptop space. However, backlash followed when the price reportedly increased by $100 after reviews had already gone live, a moment when attention and buyer interest were peaking. To many, changes like that send the message that OEMs are more focused on maximizing margins than building trust and accelerating ARM laptop adoption.
Not everyone places the blame solely on laptop manufacturers, though. Qualcomm is also being criticized for its role in the price problem. According to the debate, Qualcomm is believed to charge high premiums for its Snapdragon X2 Elite lineup. Because it’s effectively the primary option for Windows-on-ARM performance laptops, critics argue there’s less pricing pressure than in the x86 world, where multiple chip vendors compete. Instead of pushing aggressive pricing to undercut rivals and grow the ecosystem, Qualcomm is accused of keeping costs elevated—making it harder for partners to launch more affordable machines.
There are also complaints about software support. The discussion suggests Qualcomm isn’t doing enough to ensure partners deliver timely updates, which can leave users dealing with bugs and other issues that hurt day-to-day reliability. That kind of experience can be especially damaging for a platform still trying to convince buyers to take a chance on something different.
The bigger picture is clear: Windows on ARM may now have the technical foundation to succeed, but success will likely require a coordinated effort. Competitive laptop pricing, stronger value for buyers, and consistent software updates could help Snapdragon X2 Elite systems earn a wider audience—and that wider audience is what ultimately convinces developers to invest deeply in ARM-native apps.
Right now, the challenge is that some Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme laptops are already landing in the same price territory as Apple’s M5 and M5 Pro-level MacBooks. For many shoppers, that raises an uncomfortable question: if they can buy a MacBook at a similar price with a mature, widely supported software ecosystem, why pay more for a Windows machine that still needs broader adoption to reach its full potential?
If Qualcomm and its OEM partners want Snapdragon X2 Elite laptops to be more than impressive hardware demos, they’ll have to treat affordability, reliability, and ecosystem growth as the main goal—not an afterthought.
