ARM has announced a complete processor architecture overhaul with new C1 CPU cores and Mali G1 GPUs, retiring the iconic “Cortex” branding after years of dominance. The new lineup delivers up to 25% performance improvements while prioritizing AI workloads through innovative SME2 technology.
Table of Contents
Major Architecture Announcement: Complete Rebrand & Redesign
ARM’s latest announcement represents the most significant mobile processor update in years, introducing the Lumex platform with entirely new naming conventions and AI-focused design philosophy.
New C1 CPU Lineup: Performance & Efficiency Breakdown
| CPU Core | Replaces | Performance Gain | Efficiency Improvement | Target Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 Ultra | Cortex X925 | +25% (with 3nm) | 28% more efficient | Flagship smartphones |
| C1 Premium | Cortex X930M | Same as Ultra | 35% smaller area | Sub-flagship devices |
| C1 Pro | Cortex A725 | +11% performance | 26% more efficient | Mid-range/gaming |
| C1 Nano | Cortex A520 | +5-8% performance | 26% more efficient | Background tasks |
Source: ARM official announcement and technical analysis
Revolutionary GPU Lineup: Mali G1 Series
ARM’s graphics overhaul introduces the Mali G1 family with dramatic performance improvements, especially for ray tracing and AI workloads.
Mali G1 GPU Performance Matrix
| GPU Model | Core Count | Performance Boost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mali G1 Ultra | 10+ cores | 2X ray tracing, 20% raster | RTUv2, AI acceleration |
| Mali G1 Premium | 6-9 cores | 20% performance | Mid-range efficiency |
| Mali G1 Pro | 1-5 cores | 20% performance | Entry-level optimization |
Game-Changing SME2 Technology: AI Revolution
The most significant innovation is Scalable Matrix Extension 2 (SME2), a shared external accelerator that transforms AI performance across all cores.
SME2 Benefits:
- 5x faster AI performance for machine learning tasks
- 3x more power efficient AI computations
- 4.7x lower latency for speech-based workloads
- 2.8x faster audio generation for real-time applications
Architecture Deep Dive: Technical Innovations
C1 Ultra: Flagship Performance
- 25% faster than Cortex X925 (12% IPC + 3nm scaling)
- 4.1GHz maximum frequency vs 3.6GHz previous generation
- 2,000 instructions in flight (vs 1,500 in X925)
- 33% increase in L1 instruction-cache bandwidth
Enhanced Gaming & Ray Tracing
The Mali G1 Ultra introduces RTUv2 (Ray Tracing Unit version 2) delivering:
- 40% higher framerates in ray-traced games
- Hardware-accelerated traversal replacing compute shader methods
- Single ray model for better incoherent ray handling
- Separate sleep mode for power efficiency
Market Impact: Competitive Positioning
Key Competitors:
- Apple A19/A19 Pro: Everest and Sawtooth cores
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2: Next-gen Nuvia cores
- MediaTek Dimensity 9500: First to use C1/G1 architecture
- Samsung Exynos 2600: Expected second implementation
First Implementations: What to Expect
MediaTek Dimensity 9500 is confirmed as the first chipset featuring:
- 2x C1 Ultra cores for peak performance
- 6x C1 Pro cores for sustained workloads
- Mali G1 Ultra GPU with full ray tracing capabilities
- SME2 acceleration for AI tasks
Samsung Exynos 2600 expected to follow with similar configuration optimized for Galaxy devices.
For detailed processor comparisons and mobile chip analysis, explore our semiconductor coverage and mobile technology guides.
Industry Implications: AI-First Future
This announcement signals ARM’s strategic pivot toward AI-centric computing:
Platform Integration:
- Tighter foundry relationships with TSMC for optimized designs
- Turnkey solutions reducing time-to-market for partners
- Complete platform approach vs individual component licensing
- AI software stack integration for developers
Timeline & Availability
Immediate Impact:
- Q4 2025: MediaTek Dimensity 9500 announcement expected
- Q1 2026: First smartphones with C1/G1 architecture
- H1 2026: Widespread adoption across flagship devices
- 2026+: Trickle-down to mid-range segments
Bottom Line: Architecture Revolution for AI Era
ARM’s C1 CPU and Mali G1 GPU announcement represents more than incremental improvements – it’s a fundamental architectural shift toward AI-first computing. The combination of 25% performance gains, 28% efficiency improvements, and revolutionary SME2 AI acceleration positions ARM strongly against Apple and Qualcomm competition.
The retirement of “Cortex” branding after years of market dominance signals ARM’s confidence in this new direction. With MediaTek Dimensity 9500 leading the charge, 2026 smartphones will deliver unprecedented AI capabilities alongside traditional performance improvements.
