Microsoft embraces Arm with improved app translation

Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft is making a strong push into Arm-powered Windows PCs with the launch of Surface devices featuring the Snapdragon X Elite processor. This move naturally invites comparisons to Apple's successful transition from Intel to Arm-based designs in its Macs.

A key factor in Apple's success was Rosetta 2, a translation layer that allows users to run most Intel Mac apps on Apple Silicon machines with minimal effort. Windows 11 offers similar functionality, and with the upcoming 24H2 update, it gets a new name: Prism.

Microsoft claims Prism isn't just a rebranding. Translated apps should see a performance boost of 10-20% on the same Arm hardware after the 24H2 update. This translates to noticeable improvements for users of existing Arm-based Windows 11 machines, even without upgrading hardware. While Microsoft suggests Prism's performance will rival Rosetta's, it acknowledges hardware dependence.

The company also promises improved compatibility with x86 applications through Prism, though specifics remain under wraps. While emulated x86 apps provide a temporary solution, native Arm apps are crucial to fully utilize Arm chips. Fortunately, the trend is moving in that direction. Major players like Google Chrome, Dropbox, and Adobe (with upcoming Illustrator and Premiere Pro) are joining the growing list of native Arm apps, alongside existing offerings like Photoshop and Lightroom.

The push for Arm gains further momentum with most major PC manufacturers planning to release Arm-based devices in the coming months. This is partly driven by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chips, the only ones with NPUs powerful enough to support Windows 11's new on-device AI features. These "Copilot+ PCs" represent a renewed effort to make Windows on Arm a success after a history of stumbles.

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