AMD and Intel Currently Locked Out of Copilot+ Access

AMD and Intel are currently missing out on the opportunity to launch Copilot+ features. Although AMD has introduced its Ryzen AI 300 CPUs and Intel has previewed its Lunar Lake processors at Computex 2024, neither will support the AI capabilities associated with Copilot+ right at launch. Instead, users will have to wait for these functionalities to be enabled through a future software update. Both Ryzen AI 300 and Lunar Lake incorporate a neural processing unit (NPU) that meets Microsoft's specifications for a Copilot+ PC; however, initial access to features such as Recall and Auto Super Resolution is limited to laptops equipped with Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips, as reported by The Verge.

Microsoft’s marketing manager noted that free updates will eventually equip qualifying AMD and Intel PCs with the AI features once they become available. AMD representative Matthew Hurwitz expressed optimism, indicating that Copilot+ should be rolled out by the end of 2024, although neither Microsoft nor Intel has confirmed a specific timeline.

In fact, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the arrival of these features. During a post-reveal Q&A for Intel’s Lunar Lake, Michelle Holthaus, Intel's executive vice president of client computing, mentioned that they were "waiting for Microsoft to announce when devices will receive a day-one update." On June 14, AMD’s chief marketing officer, John Taylor, tweeted that the company aims for Copilot+ availability later this year. In the same Q&A, Holthaus stated that Lunar Lake’s rollout would occur from late this year through February of next year. Although first laptops with these chips will launch soon, it seems likely that Microsoft may delay software updates for AMD and Intel until there is a broader availability.

There could also be an exclusivity agreement between Microsoft and Qualcomm. Qualcomm has branded itself as the “exclusive” platform for Copilot+ PCs, and Microsoft has previously entered agreements with Qualcomm, including one ending in 2021 and another starting in early 2024. While there’s no concrete evidence of an exclusivity deal for Copilot+ between Microsoft and Qualcomm, it is worth noting. This situation raises questions about why Microsoft is postponing Copilot+ updates for AMD and Intel systems.

As previously discussed, Microsoft’s emphasis on Copilot+ is as much about promoting AI capabilities as it is about enhancing Windows on ARM devices. Qualcomm envisions a strong presence in the Windows market as well, with its CEO asserting that the company is "not going anywhere" in the PC sector. While AMD and Intel will eventually gain access to Copilot+ features, they should not expect these capabilities to be available at launch. Although AMD's new chips are set to arrive in July, with Intel following closely behind, it may take several months before Microsoft activates the software for Copilot+ on these devices.