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Arm updates Flexible Access program with Cortex-M52 and Ethos-U85 IP cores
Friday, February 6, 2026 at 06:40 AM
Arm has expanded its Flexible Access program to include newer IP cores such as the Cortex-M52 and Ethos-U85, aimed at streamlining the design process for partners seeking advanced edge AI and microcontroller capabilities.
Context
Arm Holdings has expanded its Arm Flexible Access program to include the Cortex-M52 processor and the Ethos-U85 neural processing unit. This strategic move allows over 200 partners to design and prototype with high-performance edge AI hardware without paying upfront licensing fees. By lowering the entry barrier for these specific cores, Arm is accelerating the design cycle for power-efficient IoT devices capable of running complex machine learning workloads locally.
The addition of the Ethos-U85 is a key catalyst, providing up to 4x the performance of previous versions and native support for Transformer models at the edge. This update addresses the rising demand for generative AI capabilities in small-form-factor devices. For investors, this move secures Arm's long-term royalty pipeline by ensuring its advanced AI IP is integrated into the hardware roadmaps of global chipmakers as they transition to mass production throughout 2026.
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