NVIDIA and MediaTek delay AI PC processor launch to 2026: Microsoft OS issues, market headwinds

NVIDIA and MediaTek have reportedly delayed their collaborative Arm-based AI PC processor into Q1 2026, after rumors that there were issues with the silicon in the last few days.

In a new report from DigiTimes, the outlet says their supply chain sources say that a combination of delays in Microsoft's operating system roadmap, ongoing chip revisions at NVIDIA, and weakening demand in the overall notebook market have seen the Arm-based AI PC processor delayed until the first quarter of 2026.

The two companies originally aimed to launch the "N1X" processor in Q3 2025, aiming at both the premium consumer and commercial sectors, but after the unveiling event not taking place at Computex 2025 in late May, and now the new issues with the silicon and Windows on Arm, we're looking at a possible CES 2026 reveal and Q1 2026 release.

NVIDIA has reportedly discovered critical hardware defects with its new N1X processor in its newly-designed chip, which has forced engineers to undertake a complete redesign of the silicon structure itself.

As for where the new NVIDIA N1X processor will be found, the company is developing next-gen gaming laptops with Alienware that will combine the new Arm-based CPU with an integrated GeForce GPU. Once this happens, NVIDIA will be forging itself its own ecosystem into the market, with new gaming laptops powered by its in-house N1X processor.