Arm announced the inclusion of its new Cortex-M42 processor in the Flexible Access and Total Access product portfolios, targeting terminal devices that prioritize cost and chip area. The processor enhances machine learning and digital signal processing capabilities for edge AI applications in wearables, industrial IoT, and smart connected devices. Arm designed the Cortex-M42 to address existing microcontroller (MCU) upgrade demands, combining Helium technology with a streamlined AHB bus architecture to help chip manufacturers using Cortex-M4 or Cortex-M33 upgrade their products. As of November 2026, Flexible Access has 319 active members with over 500 different chip designs completed, while Total Access has 60 partners supporting more than 600 projects since launch.
Cortex-M42 Combines Armv8.1-M Architecture with Helium Technology
The Cortex-M42 adopts the Armv8.1-M architecture and integrates Helium technology with a simplified AHB bus architecture. The processor enables chip manufacturers previously using Cortex-M4 or Cortex-M33 to upgrade their products, allowing audio, sensing, and industrial control applications to add AI computing capabilities while balancing cost and area requirements. The Cortex-M42 supports Arm custom instructions, allowing manufacturers to adjust processor design according to specific workloads and develop differentiated chips.
Cortex-M42 Delivers Up to 3x Vector Computing Performance Versus Cortex-M33
According to Arm's published data, the Cortex-M42 achieves up to 3 times the vector computing capability compared to Cortex-M33. The processor also delivers up to 2 times the vector computing energy efficiency versus Cortex-M33. These performance improvements target applications requiring enhanced signal processing and machine learning capabilities within cost-constrained designs.
Cortex-M42 Supports Audio Processing and Sensor Analysis Applications
The Cortex-M42 supports audio processing and keyword detection in wearable devices, as well as sensor analysis and condition monitoring in connected and industrial controllers. Arm identified physical AI opportunities through device-side signal processing for robot motors and joints, recognizing abnormal operation or wear signs to support predictive maintenance. These applications focus on monitoring and do not handle safety-critical motion control functions.
Flexible Access Reaches 319 Active Members as of November 2026
As of November 2026, Flexible Access has 319 active members and has facilitated over 500 different chip designs completing tape-out. Total Access has 60 partners and has supported more than 600 projects since its launch. Flexible Access allows partners to access multiple processor designs, development tools, and technical resources at low or zero cost before final design confirmation, enabling exploration of different product solutions. Total Access serves semiconductor companies, OEMs, ODMs, and system integrators of certain scale, supporting product development, commercialization, and mass production across different applications and performance levels.
Partner Implementations Include EnSilica, Nordic Semiconductor, and Synaptics
Arm listed recent partner design confirmation cases. EnSilica uses Cortex processors and Ethos NPU to develop communications, satellite, automotive, and industrial ASICs. Nordic Semiconductor adopted Cortex-M33 in the nRF54LM20B. Synaptics integrated Cortex-M52 and Ethos-U55 in the SRW1500 series to support AI processing in embedded devices. Arm Commercial Director Neil Parris stated that as AI demand increases and smart connected device functions upgrade, demand for specialized computing across industries continues to grow, requiring chip manufacturers to have a broader computing product portfolio to meet different performance, power consumption, and cost requirements.
FAQ
What did Arm announce regarding the Cortex-M42 processor?
Arm announced the inclusion of the new Cortex-M42 processor in the Flexible Access and Total Access product portfolios, targeting terminal devices that prioritize cost and chip area for edge AI applications in wearables, industrial IoT, and smart connected devices.
How does Cortex-M42 performance compare to Cortex-M33?
According to Arm's published data, the Cortex-M42 achieves up to 3 times the vector computing capability and up to 2 times the vector computing energy efficiency compared to Cortex-M33, using the Armv8.1-M architecture with Helium technology.
How many members does Arm's Flexible Access program have as of November 2026?
As of November 2026, Flexible Access has 319 active members and has facilitated over 500 different chip designs completing tape-out, while Total Access has 60 partners supporting more than 600 projects since launch.
