Windows 11 version 25H2 has barely arrived, yet rumors are already pointing to what Microsoft might have planned next. According to early leaks, 2026 could see not one but two major Windows 11 updates. The first may arrive early in the year and appear only on new Copilot+ PCs running Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon X2 Elite chips. The second, expected later in 2026, will likely reach the broader user base on standard Intel and AMD systems.
This speculation comes from a YouTube post by known leaker PhantomOfEarth, who claims that Microsoft is preparing a new Windows 11 build aligned with the Snapdragon X2 Elite launch in early 2026. He notes that this version is “about to happen for Snapdragon X2 Elite launch ONLY,” adding that regular Windows 11 PCs will have to wait for a later version labeled 26H2.
The leaker also suggests that while references to “26H1” have been spotted internally, the update might not officially carry that name. Microsoft could opt for a less traditional label to avoid confusion or prevent users from feeling like they are missing out. Still, the existence of that internal tag hints strongly that something is being prepared for the first half of 2026.
If true, this approach would not be new for Microsoft. The company already followed a similar pattern in 2024, when early Snapdragon X laptops shipped with Windows 11 version 24H2 months before it reached other users. That early rollout was necessary because the Arm-based Copilot+ PCs required specific system-level support that older builds of Windows did not yet provide.
This next phase seems to follow the same playbook. The rumored 26H1 update is expected to contain major under-the-hood changes required for the Snapdragon X2 Elite chips. These new processors, built on Qualcomm’s advanced Oryon architecture, are designed to compete directly with Apple’s M-series chips and bring higher performance and AI capabilities to Windows laptops. Ensuring that Windows 11 runs smoothly on this hardware will likely require low-level system optimization and driver support that cannot wait for the broader 26H2 release later in the year.
The distinction between Arm-exclusive and mainstream updates may sound frustrating for regular users, but it is largely a timing issue. The features, refinements, and performance improvements introduced with the early Snapdragon version will almost certainly roll into the general 26H2 update later in 2026. Essentially, users with Intel and AMD machines will just be waiting a few extra months while Microsoft ensures compatibility across platforms.
From a marketing point of view, this staggered rollout could also benefit Microsoft and its partners. Giving new Snapdragon X2 laptops early access to a “special” Windows 11 build helps position them as cutting-edge devices. That kind of branding could encourage users still holding onto Windows 10 systems to make the switch, especially since Microsoft is winding down support for its older OS in 2025.
The move also highlights how committed Microsoft has become to Arm-based computing. The company’s Copilot+ initiative is designed to deliver AI-enhanced experiences directly on the device using dedicated neural processing units. These NPUs handle tasks like live transcription, local image generation, and predictive typing without relying on cloud servers. The Snapdragon X2 Elite chips are expected to bring a major leap in these AI capabilities, which means the operating system itself needs a solid foundation to support them.
If Microsoft continues this pattern, Windows updates could become more modular, releasing in waves tied to specific hardware launches. Instead of waiting for one massive yearly rollout, specialized builds could arrive earlier for devices that require them. While this strategy improves flexibility for manufacturers, it might also create confusion among users if version naming becomes inconsistent or unclear.
From a technical perspective, this early 2026 update may introduce improvements in how Windows 11 handles Arm emulation, memory efficiency, and battery optimization. The Snapdragon X2 Elite series will likely demand tighter integration with Windows kernel-level processes to achieve the seamless experience users expect. This could also include improved compatibility layers for legacy x86 applications, allowing more traditional desktop software to run smoothly on Arm-based devices without performance loss.
For now, none of this has been confirmed by Microsoft. The company has not announced any plans for a 26H1 or 26H2 release, and leakers themselves caution that early references could change. Development roadmaps often shift based on hardware readiness, testing feedback, and market timing. But if history repeats itself, we can expect a new wave of Copilot+ PCs debuting early next year, each powered by a fresh Windows build optimized for Arm performance.
Even if regular users do not get their hands on the update right away, it still points to where Microsoft is heading. The company is clearly moving toward deeper hardware-software integration, mirroring Apple’s unified ecosystem strategy. As AI workloads and on-device intelligence become central to modern computing, Windows 11 must evolve to handle those tasks efficiently across diverse hardware architectures.
For now, users on standard x86 systems can relax. Whatever features and optimizations appear in early 2026 on Snapdragon X2 laptops will almost certainly arrive later in the 26H2 update. The only real difference is timing.
