AMD has changed the licensing model for its Vivado FPGA design suite, restricting the free Basic tier to Windows-only...

AMD has changed the licensing model for its Vivado FPGA design suite, restricting the free Basic tier to Windows-only starting with the 2026.1 update. Linux users are now required to purchase a Core tier subscription costing $1,200–$1,800 annually or remain on older, unsupported versions. The move has sparked backlash from the Linux community, with users on AMD's forums threatening to migrate to competing platforms like Lattice and Altera (owned by Intel). AMD claimed 70% of users are on Windows, but the change alienates researchers, students, and hobbyists who rely on Linux. This could lead to market share loss for AMD in the FPGA segment, benefiting Intel's Altera division. Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/amd-leaves-linux-fpga-users-in-the-lurch-with-controversial-vivado-licensing-update-new-tier-model-restricts-future-free-versions-to-windows