ARM-based laptops are gaining traction, challenging the long-standing x86 dominance. With improvements in performance and efficiency, could ARM become the new standard for laptops? Let’s explore the driving factors behind this shift.
The Evolution of ARM Architecture in Laptops
ARM processors excel in power efficiency and performance per watt compared to x86, which is why they have dominated the mobile market since inception. On the other hand, x86 has dominated the laptop/PC market due to the better performance that is expected from such devices.
That all changed when Apple took a bold step by introducing the ARM-based M1 chips in 2020, causing a major shift in the laptop market. Since then, major tech companies have been actively working to keep pace with this breakthrough.
However, ARM still has many hurdles to overcome. Apple’s M chips do compete closely with Intel and AMD processors in terms of CPU performance per watt and even beat them in some tasks. Still, when it comes to overall power using a higher number of cores and clock speed, x86 beats it.
Software compatibility is another challenge. Most computer applications today are designed for the x86 architecture. This means ARM-based laptops must either rely on native ARM apps or use emulation to run x86 applications, which can impact performance.
To bridge these gaps, let’s see what efforts are being made that could lead to ARM dominance in laptops.
Hardware Innovations that are Driving ARM Forward
Processing power was the main issue with ARM architecture, forcing its focus on mobile devices. With Apple proving ARM’s processing capabilities, many tech giants followed. Let’s see what hardware-related efforts are being made by tech giants that are allowing ARM-based laptops to compete with x86.
Apple
Apple with its silicon chips revolutionized the laptop market and divided it into ARM and x86 laptops. The initial M1 chip challenged the best offerings from Intel/AMD, while the much improved M3 chip is significantly more powerful, with 50% faster cores efficiency as compared to M1 chip.
These chips offer a unique combination of high performance and low power consumption using the SoC (System on Chip) design. It includes CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, and other components on a single chip.
The control over both software and hardware also allowed Apple to create deeply integrated features like instant wake, iOS app compatibility, and an industry-leading thermal management system. It’s safe to assume ARM is the future of Apple Macbooks, especially considering their deal with ARM extends beyond 2040.
Microsoft
In collaboration with Qualcomm, Microsoft launched the Surface Pro X series, powered by the Microsoft SQ1 and SQ2 chips. These chips share a similar SoC design philosophy with Apple silicon.
Despite early compatibility and performance challenges, Microsoft is reportedly developing a custom SoC chip specifically for Windows. This initiative is reinforced by the introduction of Project Volterra, a platform enabling developers to create and test ARM-based software.
Qualcomm
Qualcomm ARM-based Snapdragon 8cx series is what powers most of the ARM laptops for Windows. The Microsoft SQ1 and SQ2 chips are also customized versions of these. Even if it couldn’t beat Apple silicon, it did give manufacturers an ARM chip for laptops not solely to rely on x86.
However, the more important advancement is the upcoming Snapdragon X Elite built on 4nm SoC architecture. These chips seem very promising and could even rival Apple silicon chips. Along with the power to go head-to-head with x86 processors, it also has advanced features like built-in 5G and NPU with 45 TOPS AI performance.
Contribution by Other Tech Companies
Many manufacturers like Samsung, ASUS, Lenovo, HP, and Dell have launched ARM-based laptops, supporting ARM on laptops. Although not confirmed, there are also rumors that some are working on making their own custom SoC for laptops.
For example, Samsung is rumored to be developing an Exynos-based chip for Windows on ARM laptops.
Software Enhancements Powering the ARM Ecosystem
Software compiled for x86 architecture isn’t natively compatible with ARM systems. Historically, x86 has been the dominant architecture in the desktop/laptop market, leading most software developers to design their programs exclusively for x86.
So to run a program in ARM, it either needs to be recompiled for ARM or you need emulation to convert on the go. Let’s see what is currently being done to allow x86 software to run on ARM.
Apple
When Apple made the complete switch to ARM from x86 with the M1 chips, they also made lots of efforts to ensure most apps ran flawlessly on ARM.
Rosetta 2 played a crucial role in making the transition seamless. It’s a dynamic binary translation tool (i.e. an emulator) that can convert x86 apps to ARM architecture on the fly. Of course, it did affect performance. The benchmarks suggest an average 15% drop (up to 40% for complex tasks).
Furthermore, Apple recompiled all of its software to run on both x86 and ARM, including Photos, Keynote, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, etc. It also encouraged third-party developers to compile apps for both x86 and ARM by introducing Universal Apps, Developer Transition Kit, updating App Store guidelines, etc.
All this made the transition to ARM seamless for users and developers.
Microsoft
Microsoft didn’t take the time to introduce Windows on ARM, offering ARM laptops a reliable operating system. Unfortunately, it didn’t go well due to performance issues and limited app compatibility. Even with x64 Emulation, it didn’t offer reliable performance.
Thankfully, the future looks much better with Prism; Microsoft’s latest emulator. It’s expected to offer significantly better performance; as good as Rosetta 2. However, there is still a slight wait, as it will become publicly available with the Windows 11 24H2 update.
Microsoft has also converted many of its apps to run on ARM systems, including the Office Suite, Teams, and Edge.
Adobe
Adobe made available the ARM versions of most of its Creative Suite quite early when Apple announced silicon chips. Currently, almost all of its apps have an ARM version for macOS, including Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, etc. Many of them are also available on Microsoft Copilot+ PCs.
Best of all, not only are they recompiled for ARM but also optimized to take full advantage of Apple silicon Macbooks.
Canonical
Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, also strongly promotes ARM. It has ensured that Ubuntu works seamlessly on ARM architecture. If anyone wants Linux on an ARM laptop, Ubuntu is a reliable choice thanks to strong backing.
Furthermore, the Snap Packages format also doesn’t depend on a specific architecture. This means developers can easily distribute their applications and update them without worrying about separately listing them.
Can ARM Truly Dominate the Laptop Market?
Tech giants are increasingly supporting ARM laptops, but this doesn’t signal the end of x86 architecture.
ARM’s focus is on delivering strong performance with energy efficiency, which appeals to most regular users. However, professionals reliant on specific x86 software, the gaming community, and those needing high-performance computing may not find ARM a suitable replacement just yet.
Intel and AMD’s x86 CPUs still lead in raw power, particularly in enterprise environments where compatibility and software support are crucial. ARM must gain significant market share before developers consistently compile their apps for both architectures, especially for Windows laptops where hardware varies widely.
Given ARM’s strength in power efficiency, it will likely dominate specific categories like ultraportable laptops. However, both architectures are expected to coexist, serving different use cases. One thing is for sure, ARM is poised to gain enough market share to become a key consideration when buying your next laptop.
Image credit: Freepik
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