Microsoft to Use AMD Helios AI Chips in Azure; Anthropic Testing AMD Hardware

Microsoft announced an expanded partnership with AMD, planning to use the new Helios platform in Azure. Helios, designed for large AI models and shipping in H2 2026, offers customers an alternative to Nvidia GPU systems. AMD CEO Lisa Su calls it a key milestone, while Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says customers need more AI infrastructure choices. Additionally, AMD may gain another big customer. A public GitHub profile of an AMD board member reveals that Anthropic (Claude) is testing AMD hardware. According to SemiAnalysis, AMD has prioritized Anthropic at the same level as Meta. If software quality issues are resolved, AMD may confirm the partnership at its upcoming Advancing AI event. OpenAI also previously partnered with AMD. For AI developers and enterprises using Azure, Helios will bring more GPU choices in H2 2026, potentially reducing reliance on Nvidia and affecting pricing. Anthropic's interest also signals growing recognition of AMD hardware for AI inference and training.