Microsoft is developing the next update to Windows 11, and it appears they’re speeding up the release schedule. Unlike previous major updates that typically arrive in the latter half of the year, this one is currently slated to launch in the first six months of 2026.
The next version of Windows, internally known as Bromine, will be needed to fully support the new Snapdragon X2 processor. This is because the processor requires updates to the operating system that aren’t included in the current release, version 25H2, and those updates are being prepared for the Bromine release.
The next version of Windows 11 will likely be a major upgrade, built on a newer technology base called Bromine. This is different from the previous version, 25H2, which used the same foundation as version 24H2 (codenamed Germanium). However, initially, the new version will probably only work on devices powered by Snapdragon X2 processors.
We’re still unsure if the next update will be called version 26H1, 26H2, or if it will simply continue as 25H2. However, recent documentation and technical details suggest 26H1 is the most probable name, as it appears to be built on the Bromine platform.
The next update to Windows 11 will be built on an improved foundation and will be specifically designed to work with Snapdragon X2 chips.
Release date
The next major update to Windows 11 won’t be available on Snapdragon X2 devices until early 2026. This update is built on the “Bromine” platform, which Microsoft expects to finalize in November 2025. After that, Microsoft will continue to improve and refine the initial version until it’s ready to be included in the first devices released to the public.
We don’t have a firm release date for this update yet. It’s currently uncertain whether Microsoft plans to make it available to all Windows 11 computers, or if it will initially be limited to Snapdragon X2 devices. If the latter, a broader release for everyone else might not arrive until the second half of 2026.
Microsoft is likely to finalize the “Bromine” update with build number 28000. While Microsoft doesn’t usually choose clean, round numbers for final releases, the last time they did so to this degree was with the initial release of Windows 11, which was build 22000.
New features
Microsoft’s approach to developing Windows 11 means that most supported versions have the same features, even if they started with different base releases. We expect this to continue with the upcoming Germanium and Bromine updates.
Platform updates
The main differences between these platform releases lie in their internal workings. Bromine, being a newer version of Windows, is expected to run faster and more efficiently than the current Windows 11. It also contains essential updates needed for Snapdragon X2 devices to work properly.
This isn’t the first time Qualcomm’s new chips have forced Microsoft to release a new Windows version ahead of schedule. Back in 2024, Microsoft released version 24H2 on the Germanium platform several months early. This was necessary because the Snapdragon X chip was launching in June and needed Germanium to work properly.
We’re seeing a similar pattern emerge. Bromine is being released first for devices with the Snapdragon X2 chip, and will become available to all other users later on.
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2025-11-07 16:39