Sound Wave: AMD is reportedly working on an ARM CPU for a 2026 Surface 23 comments
Image: AMD
Under the codename “Sound Wave,” AMD is currently developing its first APU based on ARM architecture rather than x86. The chip is to be used in a previously unknown new generation of Microsoft’s Surface Notes, which are currently available with Qualcomm’s ARM-based Snapdragon processors.
First products in 2026?
The codename first appeared a little over a year ago, without the solution being known at the time. It was reported that it was a new APU from TSMC’s 3nm production process. Over the course of the year, rumors grew that “Sound Wave” was an ARM-based product and that it was no longer based on x86. However, tangible clues continued to emerge.
Notes in the Neogaf forum
As early as April 19 of this year, the well-known and usually accurate Kepler_L2 leak, virtually unnoticed by the trade press on the Neogaf forum, suggested that an ARM-based Sound Wave would be used in Microsoft’s Surface starting in 2026, and also made a corresponding contribution to X:
Steadily growing ARM contingent
After a long hiatus, this would be the first processor or SoC not based on x86 or RISC-V architecture. Sound Wave would clearly be a competitor to Qualcomm and Apple‘s Snapdragon series of silicon designs, which also rely on ARM architecture and its instructions. Nvidia and Mediatek are also rumored to be interested in entering this market. The first details on the speculated consumer products should be available next week.
Topics: AMD ARM processor Surface source: IT HOME
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