New Delhi, September 10, 2025 – Arm Holdings has launched its newest chip series, Lumex, aiming to accelerate artificial intelligence on smartphones and wearable devices. These chips run AI applications directly on mobile hardware, reducing users’ reliance on internet connectivity and cloud computing.
The Lumex lineup includes four distinct chip types, each designed for specific applications. For example, Arm created lower-powered versions to serve wearables, focusing on energy efficiency without compromising intelligence. On the other hand, the higher-end chips target flagship smartphones, delivering strong performance for complex AI tasks. Users can now perform real-time translation, voice recognition, and image processing locally. As a result, these tasks happen faster, while privacy improves.
Chris Bergey, senior vice president at Arm, explained that AI no longer functions as an optional feature but has become a standard expectation. He added that users want devices to understand and respond in real time. Lumex chips address these demands by enabling large AI models to run directly on devices without relying on remote servers.
Arm introduced these chips through its Compute Subsystems division. This unit provides pre-designed chip blueprints to smartphone manufacturers and semiconductor companies. These ready-made designs help reduce development time and allow companies to launch new products more quickly. Consequently, Arm hopes this approach will expand its presence in the global mobile technology market.
Lumex chips benefit from the advanced 3-nanometer manufacturing process, which improves efficiency and computing power by shrinking transistor sizes. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the key chip manufacturer for Apple’s iPhones, also uses this technology. By adopting the same process, Arm demonstrates its commitment to staying at the cutting edge of chip innovation.
Arm plans to unveil the Lumex chips at a launch event in China. Bergey emphasized that China plays a vital role in the smartphone industry. Besides Apple and Samsung, many leading phone brands operate from China. Therefore, Arm aims to deepen partnerships with these companies and increase its market share in the region.
Simultaneously, Malaysia has finalized a $250 million deal with Arm to access its chip design templates. The Malaysian Prime Minister announced this agreement, which is part of a larger goal of building local semiconductor design capabilities. The deal reflects heightened interest across Asia in building domestic chip industries.
Arm has also been discussing potential moves into chip manufacturing, although the company focuses on design and licensing. Recently, it hired top talent to take a closer look at this option. If Arm were to produce chips in-house, it could have tighter control of its technology and more business opportunities.
The Lumex launch represents a major milestone not only for Arm but also for the wider mobile technology sector. Devices can now deliver powerful AI features directly, offering faster interactions and better data security by keeping information on-device rather than relying on the cloud.
This innovation aligns with a broader industry shift toward on-device AI, driven by rising demand for speed, privacy, and responsiveness. Lumex chips offer flexible solutions tailored to different product tiers and use cases, supporting this important transition.
By emphasizing performance, energy efficiency, and broad accessibility, Arm positions itself as a leader in the fast-evolving mobile market. Its work may redefine user expectations for smartphones and wearables. Devices equipped with Lumex chips promise smarter, faster, and more personalized experiences than ever before.
The Lumex introduction signifies Arm’s intention to move beyond its traditional role as a chip design licensor. Arm is looking to become more comprehensive in its offerings and possibly even explore chip manufacturing, so it can help shape the future of mobile AI and remain a critical player in the next evolution of technology.
