AMD Restricts Free Vivado Version for Linux Users

AMD has announced a new licensing model for Vivado, its software suite for FPGA chip design and programming. Starting with version 2026.1, the free edition will only be supported on Windows. Linux users must either upgrade to the paid 'Core' tier, priced between 85 855 ₽ and 128 783 ₽ annually, or continue using older versions that will no longer receive updates.

Vivado is widely used in specialized electronics development, including AI projects, aerospace applications, and high-performance computing. FPGA chips programmable with this software can emulate nearly any hardware configuration, making them essential for testing and simulating new architectures.

The decision has drawn significant criticism from the tech community. Many developers, particularly in academia and open-source circles, traditionally rely on Linux for FPGA work. AMD responded to concerns by noting that about 70% of Vivado users operate on Windows, yet this did little to ease tensions among Linux advocates. Users warn that the forced shift to paid subscriptions may push them toward alternatives like tools from Lattice or Altera.

AMD has stated it is gathering feedback and sharing it with relevant teams, leaving room for potential policy revisions in the future. For now, however, the changes remain in effect, creating additional hurdles for developers committed to open platforms.