Microsoft could once again take a split-release approach for its next major Windows 11 update, mirroring the rollout strategy used for version 24H2 earlier this year.
According to reliable Windows tipster PhantomOfEarth, the company is preparing Windows 11 version 26H1, which will debut exclusively on Snapdragon X2 Elite-powered Arm PCs in early 2026. The report, shared via the tipster’s YouTube channel and highlighted by Neowin, suggests that existing Windows PCs won’t receive this version — at least not initially.
“With it looking like a Windows 11 version 26H1 is about to happen for Snapdragon X2 Elite launch ONLY (this will NOT be releasing to existing PCs, that’ll be 26H2), this is a heads up to confirm that yes, I will be doing a video on the special 26H1 release early next year to cover what’s new (including non-AI stuff, yes there is some) for those getting an X2 Elite device or those purely curious,”
— PhantomOfEarth
A Stopgap Release for Snapdragon X2 Elite Hardware
This limited rollout appears to be part of Microsoft’s continued effort to position Arm-based Windows PCs as early access platforms for new features and optimisations.
In response to a viewer comment, the tipster elaborated that 26H1 will mainly serve as a stopgap release, designed to provide a compatible Windows platform for the upcoming Snapdragon X2 Elite chips:
“Sadly, that’s just how things are looking; a potential 26H1 would be purely to provide Snapdragon X2 Elite hardware with a Windows platform that supports it… It’s only a stopgap and not meant to be a full update.”
He added that features developed since 24H2 that haven’t been backported will first appear in 26H1, though all of them — both AI-related and otherwise — will eventually be included in the 26H2 update slated for general release later in 2026.
Following the 24H2 Playbook
Microsoft took a similar phased approach earlier in 2024 with Windows 11 version 24H2, which initially shipped only on Copilot+ PCs featuring Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips before rolling out broadly to other hardware several months later.
While Microsoft has yet to officially confirm its Windows 11 2026 roadmap, these reports suggest the company will continue using its Arm-based devices as testing grounds for early Windows improvements and AI-driven features before expanding them to the wider PC ecosystem.
