Nvidia and MediaTek's N1X AI PC Platform Delayed to 2026: A Strategic Recalibration

Nvidia's desktop PC chip holdup purportedly tied to Windows delays -- ongoing chip revisions and weakening demand also blamed

MediaTek and Nvidia have reportedly pushed back the launch of their much-anticipated N1X AI PC platform to the first quarter of 2026, according to a new DigiTimes report citing supply chain sources. The latest reasons given contrast with an earlier report, which still informed us of the delay, but attributed it to critical hardware defects requiring a silicon respin. While chip revisions at Nvidia are still part of thislatest story, the new information points toward a broader set of factors, including Microsoft's slower-than-expected OS roadmap and weakening demand across the notebook market. The N1X platform, originally believed to be scheduled for Q3 2025 with both consumer and commercial models, never materialized at Computex earlier this year, fueling speculation about its readiness. DigiTimes now reports that MediaTek and Nvidia are prioritizing enterprise-class systems for the initial rollout, banking on stronger commercial adoption before expanding into the volatile consumer segment. The N1X processor has previously been tipped to deliver 180-200 TOPS of AI compute performance and would mark MediaTek's most ambitious entry into the PC space, backed by Nvidia's AI expertise. Major OEMs and ODMs, including Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, MSI, and Compal, are reportedly preparing notebook and desktop designs for the platform. This is another area where Intel underestimated the competition way back, and now Nvidia appears to be gunning for this territory, rivaling not only Intel and AMD but also Qualcomm. Moreover, DigiTimes' report also offers a glimpse into Nvidia and MediaTek's expanding collaboration. Beyond PCs, the two companies are said to be advancing joint efforts in automotive AI via MediaTek's Dimensity Auto platform, as well as edge AI development with Nvidia's TAO toolkit and MediaTek's NeuroPilot SDK. Digitimes says the companies have also co-developed the DGX Spark personal AI supercomputer and are key partners in Nvidia's NVLink Fusion ecosystem for custom AI silicon. Interestingly, DigiTimes mentions MediaTek's involvement in Google's v7e AI project, now reportedly delayed to mass production in October 2026. This long-term partnership could bring significant revenue -- estimated at $4 billion -- and signals that MediaTek is building a stronger presence in the AI silicon market, both at the edge and in data centers. For those unaware, v7e is a next-generation TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) Google is co-developing with MediaTek, designed for large-scale AI workloads in Google's data centers. Anyhow, the new reported Q1 2026 timeline for N1X could suggest that Nvidia and MediaTek are refining both hardware and strategy. While SemiAccurate's earlier claims of hardware defects may still hold some truth, the new report paints a picture of a more calculated delay, aligning with Microsoft's OS updates, fixing remaining chip-level issues, and waiting for commercial demand to stabilize. In the meantime, Nvidia's GB10-based AI workstations, which are still on track for release, may serve as the company's first real-world testbed for consumer-facing AI PC hardware before N1X arrives.

Nvidia's new consumer desktop PC chip reportedly delayed well into 2026

Although workstations based on Nvidia's GB10 Superchip processor are reportedly on the cusp of release, Nvidia's CPUs for consumer PCs have been delayed well into 2026, according to a report by SemiAccurate. The company reportedly had to delay its processor due to 'critical hardware defects.' Keep in mind, though, that the information is strictly unofficial, so take it with a grain of salt. When we first heard about Nvidia's intention to enter the market of CPUs for Windows-based consumer PCs back in 2023, the rumor had it that the company planned to release the processor in 2025. However, when the company introduced its GB10 system-on-chip (SoC) for compact AI workstations, co-designed with MediaTek at GTC in March, it never mentioned anything for consumer PCs. Neither Nvidia nor MediaTek discussed their codenamed N1 and N1X processors at Computex in May, a clear indication that their launch was not on the near horizon. That is apparently because Nvidia expected its N1 and N1X to be released later in 2026 due to a hardware issue that needed to be fixed. However, Nvidia managed to fix the problem without a respin (using a microcode or firmware update), which reportedly brought the release forward to early 2026. However, just days ago, another technical problem surfaced, again complicating the schedule, according to SemiAccurate. The previously re-established early 2026 target now appears in jeopardy, according to sources cited by SemiAccurate and @Jukanlosreve (assuming, of course, that the latter isn't simply re-reporting SemiAccurate). The way the latter puts it, Nvidia's unannounced N1 and N1X have 'critical hardware defects,' which require a respin (a new silicon revision). As we are dealing with unofficial information, it is hard to derive an accurate analysis. However, respinning a 4nm processor typically takes between three and six months, depending on the extent of the required changes and the location of the problem. Minor adjustments in the higher metal layers can be completed in weeks or months, while more significant modifications, such as logic redesign or layout updates in the lower metal layers, can extend the timeline to half a year or more. This includes retaping the design, manufacturing new masks, running test wafers, and validating the revised silicon. At advanced nodes, such as 4nm mask preparation, queue times add complexity. Even after silicon is produced, full functional and performance validation must be repeated, which takes time. In practice, even a 'fast' respin can create a multi-month delay in product schedules.

Nvidia's elusive N1X was reportedly delayed for Windows 12

* Nvidia's N1X chip delayed due to market demand, chip revisions, and Windows 12. * N1X is a consumer-facing SoC for mobile platforms based on Nvidia's GB10 chip. * Rumored release of N1X is in the second half of 2026, with performance potentially matching RTX 4070 laptops. Nvidia hasn't been forthcoming with details about its long-rumored N1X chip, and we might finally know why. The chip, which is said to be a consumer-facing SoC targeting mobile platforms, was originally expected to show up earlier this year at Computex. However, according to a new report from DigiTimes (spotted by Tom's Hardware), Nvidia has internally delayed the N1X due to a handful of factors, including weakening market demand, chip revisions, and oddly enough, Windows 12. AMD's UDNA is going to be even better than RDNA 4, and here's everything we know so far RDNA4 was excellent, but AMD's next generation of GPUs looks to be even better. Posts 2 Nvidia's N1X was reportedly targeting next-gen Windows And that's the source of the delay After the N1X was a no-show at Computex, reports flooded out that Nvidia had been forced to delay the chip due to a hardware issue. Apparently that's still the case, but the interesting news from DigiTimes' report is that the delay was also tied to "delays in the development of Microsoft's next-generation operating system." This is the first we've heard of Nvidia potentially working with Microsoft to time the N1X with a next-gen version of Windows, potentially enabling AI features that the N1X would be capable of with its rumored 180 TOPS of AI power. According to the report, Nvidia was slated to launch the N1X at the beginning of 2026, which lines up with an announcement at Computex, and that obviously didn't manifest. The N1X is the result of a partnership between Nvidia and MediaTek, who are currently working together on Nvidia's so-called mini AI supercompuer, the DGX Spark, which is slated to launch before the end of the year. Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang joined MediaTek on stage at Computex this year, but the N1X wasn't a part of the announcements. Although the report doesn't point to a different release window, the rumor mill suggests the N1X will arrive in the second half of 2026. It could look a bit different, though. DigiTimes cites delays at Microsoft as one of the reasons the N1X isn't here yet, but also weakening market demand. According to DigiTimes, Nvidia is undergoing a "strategic reevaluation" of the market, not only due to weakening demand for laptops overall, but also due to Qualcomm's struggle to gain a foothold in the AI PC market. Nvidia's N1X could be a watershed moment for mobile computing, especially if rumors are to be believed. The chip is reportedly based on the GB10 chip found inside the DGX Spark, combining a MediaTek CPU with Nvidia's Grace architecture with a Blackwell-based GPU. Rumors suggest the chip will be able to match an RTX 4070-equipped laptop, which would have major implications for not only future laptops, but also small form factor desktops and handhelds. Nvidia isn't the only one working on a massive SoC with AI, gaming, and productivity prowess. AMD has already demonstrated the power of such a chip design with its Strix Halo series, which has shown up in devices like the Asus ROG Flow Z13. Intel is also reportedly working on a similar design with its Nova Lake architecture, which is slated to roll out at the end of next year.

Nvidia N1X CPU delayed once again -- and Microsoft's next-gen OS seems to be at fault

The anticipated Nvidia N1X CPU is seeing some major roadblocks lately, and now it's reportedly been pushed back until early 2026 -- with Microsoft's next Windows OS tipped to be setting it back. The Windows-on-Arm chip from Nvidia and MediaTek is now expected to launch in 2026, with DigiTimes (via Jukan on X) citing supply chain sources stating it's due to a combination of reasons. This includes delays on Microsoft's next-gen Windows OS (possibly Windows 12), Nvidia's own design changes to the silicon and the market seeing a smaller demand for notebooks. As per the report, Nvidia and MediaTek's N1X AI PC chip will focus on enterprise-class devices first, shifting to the consumer market once demand picks back up. Along with Microsoft's roadmap for its OS apparently being delayed and Nvidia redesigning the chip, it has led to the Arm-based CPU being pushed to 2026. Initially, the Nvidia N1X CPU was expected to be announced at Computex 2025, with the report claiming it would feature 180 to 200 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) -- a huge jump over Snapdragon X Series chips at 45 TOPS -- to drive AI performance further. However, the chip didn't arrive, and many reports suggested it would arrive by late 2025 instead. Now, a 2026 launch date is looking likely, but earlier reports have indicated it's been pushed back until late 2026 instead. The Nvidia N1X chip's release date appears to be all over the place, but, along with this report, it's looking like industry insiders agree that it will now launch in 2026. According to SemiAccurate, the Arm-based AI chip has been hit by a few hurdles, with sources suggesting that it would require engineers to make design changes to the silicon. While this lines up with the DigiTimes report, the tech news site believes the chip has now been delayed until late 2026 instead of the expected first quarter of the year. However, plans can change, of course, so only time will tell until Nvidia and MediaTek announce their Arm-based CPU. Nvidia's N1X chip is rumored to come in two flavors: the N1X being for desktops, while the N1 chip is for laptops. So far, they look to deliver powerful AI performance along with the same performance as an RTX 4070 GPU for notebooks. It's tipped to use a smaller GB10 Blackwell chip, or a GB206 model, similar to RTX 5060 Ti or RTX 5060. If Nvidia plans to release the chip around the same time as Microsoft's next-gen Windows OS, this could mean that the chip may launch alongside a possible Windows 12, or something of the like. Rumors are scattered, but for now, it's looking like we'll have to wait until at least early 2026 to see Nvidia's N1X CPU.

Nvidia's AI PC delay may be just what the industry needs

Nvidia and MediaTek have reportedly postponed the launch of their ambitious AI PC platform, codenamed N1X, to the first quarter of 2026. According to a report from DigiTimes, the reason for the delay has been attributed by a mix of industry-level and technical hurdles, including Microsoft's delayed operating system roadmap, critical chip revisions on Nvidia's end, and weakening demand in the global notebook market. While delays in the tech world are rarely celebrated, this one may possibly be a healthier and refined future for AI PCs. Originally slated for a Q3 2025 release, the N1X platform was expected to debut in both commercial and high-end consumer devices. Yet its absence from the Computex 2025 showcase raised some concerns. Industry insiders now point to three main factors behind the hold-up. First, Microsoft's upcoming Windows release, further optimized for Arm and AI workloads, is reportedly behind schedule creating a software bottleneck. Second, Nvidia is said to have uncovered issues in the initial silicon that required a significant redesign. And third, broader economic conditions, including weaker-than-expected notebook sales and a cautious enterprise spending environment, have pushed both companies to re-evaluate the platform's timing and market strategy. Change in strategies The N1X launch is now being repositioned with a greater emphasis on the commercial sector, with Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other OEMs expected to lead the rollout in early 2026. Analysts suggest that the enterprise segment is better positioned to adopt AI-enhanced systems in the short term, given ongoing IT refresh cycles and the growing demand for on-device AI in business applications. This pivot is also a way to avoid launching into a volatile consumer market, where purchasing behavior remains unpredictable and value perception around AI PCs is still at an early stage. Recommended Videos In strategic terms, the Nvidia-MediaTek partnership is deeper than just a one-off product. The two companies have been collaborating across several AI domains in recent years. In automotive, MediaTek's Dimensity Auto cockpit platform now integrates Nvidia RTX GPUs for advanced in-vehicle graphics and compute tasks. On the edge AI front, Nvidia's TAO toolkit works alongside MediaTek's NeuroPilot SDK, streamlining model training and deployment. They've also co-developed a personal AI supercomputer called DGX Spark, and MediaTek is among the first to adopt Nvidia's NVLink Fusion ecosystem, an interconnect platform that enables custom AI silicon design for data centers. While a delay in a major launch can be frustrating, the benefits of patience in this case are compelling. First and foremost, it allows for better integration between hardware and software. Nvidia can use the extra time to finalize its chip redesign and iron out driver and compatibility issues, while Microsoft can ensure that its next-generation Windows OS is ready to make the most of the hardware. In short, it reduces the risk of launching a product that looks exciting on paper but fails to deliver a meaningful experience to users. A worthy challenger Beyond polish, the delay also opens the door for more healthy competition. With Qualcomm, AMD, Intel, and Apple all expanding their AI-capable chip portfolios, a later arrival for N1X allows Nvidia and MediaTek to better assess the market landscape and position their offering more competitively. This could translate into more choices for consumers, improved performance per dollar, and less pressure on OEMs to rush half-baked devices to market. This was particularly the case when Intel jumped onto the AI bandwagon when it launched its Meteor Lake lineup. By 2026, the AI PC market is projected to be far more mature, and the extra development time may ensure the N1X platform enters a space that's ready to support its potential. Perhaps most intriguing is what this delay hints at for the future of Arm-based computing. Rumors suggest Nvidia could potentially be planning to pair N1X with its own discrete GPU technologies for future high-performance laptops, potentially even targeting gaming workloads. If successful, it could mark the beginning of a true Arm-based gaming CPU capable of challenging x86 incumbents from Intel and AMD. While those ambitions are still speculative, the technical groundwork and strategic intent are clearly being laid. Ultimately, the Nvidia-MediaTek delay isn't just a missed deadline but a recalibration. It reflects how complex the transition to AI-first computing really is, and it highlights the importance of aligning hardware, software, and market readiness. In this case, more time could mean better value, stronger adoption, and a more meaningful leap forward for AI PCs. For consumers, developers, and the industry at large, it's an outcome that is worth waiting for.

NVIDIA N1X AI PC processor hits new roadblock: mods to silicon required, launch pushed to 2026

NVIDIA's new N1X AI PC chip has 'subtle flaws' spotted in initial validation, rumor has it modifications are required to the silicon before 2026 release. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. TweakTown may also earn commissions from other affiliate partners at no extra cost to you. NVIDIA is still cooking up its new Arm-based N1X processor, with new reports suggesting that the company has run into severe design flaws that have pushed production timelines, and its launch into 2026. In a new report from insider Charlie Demerjian from SemiAccurate, we're hearing that NVIDIA's previous issues with its new N1X processor were a "big one" which the company fixed without a silicon update. NVIDIA blamed Microsoft for another delay, after which the new N1X was reportedly in "full production". But now, NVIDIA has run into another (bigger) issue with its new Arm-based AI PC processor. The original issue saw NVIDIA's new N1X processor pushed into early 2026, then the launch moved later into the year, then back to early 2026 once the first big issue was resolved. The early 2026 release was still in play, that is, until NVIDIA ran into these new issues with its upcoming N1 and N1X processors. 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. We should expect updates between now and the end of the year, and I'm hoping for an announcement at CES 2026 in January next year. 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.

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

TL;DR: NVIDIA and MediaTek have delayed their Arm-based N1X AI PC processor launch to Q1 2026 due to silicon redesigns, Microsoft OS delays, and weak notebook demand. The chip targets premium consumer and commercial markets, with first use expected in next-gen Alienware gaming laptops featuring integrated GeForce GPUs. 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.

NVIDIA Reportedly Pushes N1X SoC Launch To Q1 2026: Waiting For Right Time To Roll Out Next-Gen "AI" Chip On Next-Gen Windows Platform, Revisions Expected Too

NVIDIA's foray into the WoA (Windows on Arm) segment has run into slight roadblocks as the company is now reported to launch it's next-gen N1X SoC in Q1 2026. N1X is the codename for NVIDIA's first WoA (Windows on Arm) SoC. This chip has been co-developed with Mediatek, and will be the company's first Enterprise/Consumer level offering that will compete with other solutions within the "AI PC" segment. At Computex 2025, NVIDIA and its partners already gave us an early look at various devices including NVIDIA's own DGX Spark, while ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, Lenovo, Dell, and others are actively working on their own offerings. While we already had a hands on with several of these PCs a few months back, it looks like the actual launch has been pushed back to Q1 2026, originally intended for a 2H 2025 launch. As per DigiTimes, the reasoning behind this delay is due to several reasons. The first one is Microsoft's development of its next-gen Windows platform which was intended to launch alongside the N1X. But it looks like Microsoft's roadmap has faced severe slowdown, and a proper release of their next Windows OS update, which will bring advanced AI features and further refine the WoA ecosystem, is still a few quarters away. Then there's the adoption rate for WoA platforms. While Qualcomm seems to suggest that their laptops are moving vast inventory, the actual consumer demand for these laptops is slowing down, and isn't that great. As much as the "AI PC" narrative has been pushed throughout the years, actual consumers are still reluctant in buying these platforms. Plus, x86 platforms from AMD & Intel, still hold the majority of share. And finally, it is stated that NVIDIA itself is currently evaluating new revisions of its N1X & N1 SOCs. The chip is said to be using the TSMC N3B process technology. It features two main components, the Grace (Arm) CPU, and the Blackwell GPU. This chip is also called GB10 in platforms such as the DGX Spark. The N1X SoC designation is more for the consumer-side. The new revisions are currently said to offer design changes, and various optimizations so that when the time comes to launch them, they are fully prepped. Now in terms of specifications, the NVIDIA GB10 Superchip has a lot of similarities with what the N1X SoC will end up being, the chip features a 20 Arm core CPU based on the Grace architecture, a Blackwell GPU with up to 1 PetaFlops of FP4 AI compute, support for up to 128 GB of LPDDR5X memory, and advanced IO technologies. The chip has also appeared within Geekbench 6 with some spectacular performance numbers. The current top listing has a 3096 single-core score, and an 18,837 score in multi-thread tests. The chip clocked at 2.81 GHz, and we have seen GB10 samples reach up to 3.9 GHz clocks. For comparison, AMD's Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 chip with 16 cores and 32 threads, and over 5 GHz clocks at 120W+, offers around 3000-3100 points in single-core, and around 19000-21000 points in multi-core performance. So you can tell that even in an early state, the N1X is performing quite good, and we can expect the revisions to take this performance even higher. As per report, the NVIDIA N1 series will have multiple chips with N1X aiming the Enterprise/Commercial segment, the N1C aiming the consumer segment, and probably a entry-level model for niche markets (Maybe Handhelds?). The chips were previously expected to offer anywhere between 180-200 AI TOPs but with the design revisions in question, we can't really say for sure where the final configurations will end. But these chips will offer a competitive landscape against the likes of AMD's "Ryzen AI MAX", Apple's M4, and Intel's AX series offerings which will play a major role in the years ahead. So with Q1 2026, we can expect more information at CES 2026.