ARM architecture

ARM architecture is a computer CPU architecture used in computers of all sizes up to supercomputers; commonly used in embedded systems and mobile devices such as cell phones, tablet computers, and handheld game consoles such as the Game Boy Advance. ARM CPUs use very little electricity and produce very little heat. Most ARM CPUs run on battery power and don't need a cooling fan. The Linux operating system is used most on ARM CPUs.

In 2013 ARM was the world's most popular 32-bit CPU architecture. Since then, production has increased to millions per day. 64-bit ARM, which allows for addressing memory greater than 3.8GB, has been available since then and is used in most modern smartphones.

History

ARM began in the 1980s. It was developed by Acorn Computers in the UK. Unlike the x86 processors used in most PCs, ARM was simpler, which made the battery life last longer and generate less heat. During the 1990s and 2000s, ARM was used a lot in phones, tablets, and other devices with a battery. This is because they could provide good speeds while using very little energy.

Companies such as Apple, Samsung, and Qualcomm used ARM chips in their devices. As mobile computers became more powerful, ARM began to make people question the idea that x86 processors were the best for fast PCs. Improvements in chip design allowed ARM systems to run complex software while maintaining excellent battery life.

Microsoft had experimented with Windows on ARM before, but the platform gained greater attention with devices such as the Surface Pro X, released in 2019. These systems used ARM to provide longer battery life and always-connected mobile features. Early versions of Windows on ARM faced challenges because many existing Windows applications were designed for x86 processors and required extra programs to run.

A major milestone came in 2020 when Apple introduced Apple Silicon, beginning with the M1 chip.

Before the M1 chip, Apple's MacBooks were slow, very hot, and had short battery life. MacBooks were failing, and people started to buy Windows laptops instead. So, with the M1 chip, it ran a lot faster, cooler, and lasted longer. The success of Apple Silicon demonstrated that ARM processors could compete with, and sometimes outperform, traditional x86 processors in desktop and laptop computers.

With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft expanded its support for ARM-based computers. Improved emulation (making x86 programs run on ARM), better tools for developers, and more native ARM applications made the platform more practical for everyday use. New chips from companies such as Qualcomm further increased performance, leading to a new generation of Windows laptops that emphasized both speed and battery life.

Brands and Manufacturers

Examples of products that use ARM

Supercomputers including the top one, Fugaku, from 2020 to May 2022
Most Android devices
Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad
Samsung Chromebook
Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo Switch
Windows RT and Windows Phone
Many Wi-Fi routers and other network equipment
Digital cameras
DVD and Blu-ray players
Some newer televisions
Some car stereos
Raspberry Pi, a small form computer the size of a credit card

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