Microsoft Azure launches new AI VMs with AMD Helios chips
Microsoft Azure is expanding its cloud offering with three new virtual machine series powered by AMD's Helios AI platform and 6th generation EPYC processors, optimised for AI inference and chip design.
What happened?
Microsoft Azure has introduced three new virtual machine series: HDv2 for AI data systems, HXv2 for chip design workflows, and ND MI455X v7 for large-scale inference. These VM types are powered by AMD's Helios AI platform and 6th generation EPYC processors. The expansion addresses the increasing demand for specialised computing power for AI workloads.
Key facts
| Lanseringsdatum | 20 juli 2026 |
|---|---|
| Antal nya VM-serier | 3 |
| Processortyp | AMD Helios AI-plattform, 6:e gen. EPYC |
| Huvudsakliga användningsområden | AI-inferens, datasystem, chipdesign |
| Tillgänglighet | Globalt (inkl. EU) |
”Microsoft is bringing AMD's newest Helios AI platform and 6th Gen EPYC processors to Azure in a major cloud infrastructure push.”
Why it matters
The addition of AMD's latest hardware positions Microsoft Azure to better handle the breadth of emerging AI workloads, from inference to agent coordination and semiconductor simulation. This underscores Microsoft's strategy of investing in heterogeneous hardware. The launch is a response to traditional infrastructure no longer being sufficient to meet corporate AI requirements.
Who is affected?
This launch primarily affects companies and developers using Microsoft Azure for AI development and operations. It particularly concerns those working with large-scale AI inference, complex data systems, and advanced chip design. AMD also benefits through increased integration of its chips into cloud platforms.
Impact on the EU
The HDv2, HXv2, and ND MI455X v7 series are available globally, including within the EU, as of 20 July 2026. Data management and compliance within the EU will follow existing European data protection regulations, such as GDPR, for services hosted in European Azure regions.
What else you should know
This update to Azure infrastructure is a response to the rapidly growing market for AI workloads that require optimised hardware.
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