Arm-powered Windows 11 now hosts a sufficient number of native apps, with users spending a significant portion of their usage time in these apps, according to Arm.
Revamped Take:
Hey there! Let's talk about the shining moment of Windows on Arm PCs! Thanks to the debut of Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs last year, it seems that Windows on Arm is finally taking center stage. Developers are warming up to the platform, with over 100 popular apps making the switch to natively compiled Arm versions.
Arm boldly declared in a May 16 blog post that the app experience on Windows on Arm is no longer about compatibility; instead it's about unleashing better performance, longer battery life, and smart features across the board.
Well-known names like Google Chrome, WhatsApp, Davinci Resolve, Adobe Photoshop, Spotify, Microsoft Office, Slack, and more have fallen in line to offer natively compiled Arm apps. Most mainstream browsers now support Windows on Arm, as do messaging apps like WhatsApp.
Even in the cases where an app isn't natively compiled, the improvements to the x86 emulation layer mean that the performance of non-native apps on Snapdragon's latest devices, such as the Copilot+ PCs, is impressive. We're witnessing a revolution in the world of Windows on Arm PCs, where app compatibility issues are at an all-time low.
That said, don't pop the champagne just yet. Compatibility issues aren't entirely eradicated. Some issues remain, particularly with creative software like Adobe's suite (excluding Photoshop), games, and certain older peripherals. But the list of problematic apps is shrinking each day.
For those using Windows PCs for productivity-heavy tasks, it's unlikely you'll encounter any app missing in action on Windows on Arm, be it emulated or native.
If you've been skittish about investing in a Surface Pro 12-inch due to potential app compatibility concerns, don't worry too much! The app compatibility gap has decreased dramatically. In fact, the Surface Laptop 7 has been my go-to device since June 2024, and I haven't looked back since.
The Windows on Arm community maintains updates detailing which apps and games work optimally, so be sure to check in there before making your move.
- Microsoft's latest innovation, Windows 11, is now compatible with gaming on PCs, offering a smoother gaming experience.
- The arrival of Windows on Arm has broadened Microsoft's horizons, extending its software reach to smartphones and other gadgets.
- The upcoming Windows update will bring native support for gaming on Xbox, making it more integrated with the overall PC experience.
- The Surface Pro, a popular laptop from Microsoft, is expected to receive an upgrade to Windows 11, offering longer battery life and improved performance.
- Adobe, a renowned software company, has announced plans to develop native versions of its suite, including Photoshop, for Windows on Arm devices.
- In case you're worrying about the hardware compatibility of Windows on Arm, it has made significant improvements to the x86 emulation layer, ensuring smooth performance of non-native apps.
- If you're in the market for a new laptop, consider the Surface Laptop, which has been optimized for Windows on Arm, offering a seamless experience with top-Performing apps and games.
- With the continued advancements in technology, expect more software developers to embrace Windows on Arm, offering natively compiled apps for a wide range of devices, from laptops to smartphones.
