Intel claims retailers are facing high return rates for Snapdragon PCs, Qualcomm denies it

Dec 15, 2024

Intel raises concerns over high Snapdragon returns; Qualcomm asserts market growth.

Intel claims retailers are facing high return rates for Snapdragon PCs, Qualcomm denies it

: Intel claims high return rates for Qualcomm Snapdragon PCs due to compatibility issues. Qualcomm refutes this, asserting return rates are industry standard, and predicts a significant market shift to non-x86 platforms. Arm-based processors, bolstered by Snapdragon and Apple's M-series, challenge x86's dominance. Both companies are enhancing technology and performance to stay competitive.

Intel, represented by Michelle Johnston Holthaus, claims that Qualcomm Snapdragon PCs face high return rates owing to application compatibility issues. Qualcomm counters this, saying their return rates align with industry norms and anticipates up to 50% of laptops will transition to Arm in five years.

Although Qualcomm has a minor market share, the broader Arm-based client PC segment claims 10%, mainly due to Apple's M-series. Intel is adapting by enhancing performance through its Lunar Lake architecture and collaborating with Arm to develop low-power SoCs.

AI PCs, led by Intel and AMD, have gained popularity, representing 20% of Q3 2024 shipments. Laptops with Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips have advanced AI features and battery life, foreseeing increased sales as users upgrade to Windows 11.