Over the past few years, one of the most fascinating shifts in the tech world has been happening quietly but steadily: a change in the very architecture powering our laptops. While x86 processors from Intel and AMD have long dominated the scene, a new challenger has emerged—ARM. If you’ve been following Apple’s journey with its M1, M2, and M3 chips, or heard about Microsoft making big moves to support ARM with Windows 11 and beyond, then you’ve already seen the tip of the iceberg.
But what does this shift mean for everyday users? Are we stepping into a new era of high-performance, battery-efficient, ultra-portable laptops? Or are ARM-based machines still too limited by software compatibility and niche use cases to become the new norm?
In this guide, we’ll unpack the evolution of ARM in laptops, examine real-world examples, and offer a practical look at whether it’s time to go ARM.
A shift in architecture: why ARM is getting all the attention
For decades, x86 chips ruled the computing world. Built for performance, they powered everything from desktops to data centers. But they also came with baggage—higher power consumption, more heat, and the need for active cooling systems.
ARM, on the other hand, comes from the world of smartphones and tablets. It’s based on a more streamlined approach—RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing)—which prioritizes simplicity, power efficiency, and low heat output. That means better battery life and the potential for sleeker, quieter devices.
So, why is ARM gaining ground now?
There are a few big reasons:
- Battery life: ARM chips sip power instead of guzzling it. That translates to 15+ hours of real use in many laptops.
- Heat and noise: Less power means less heat. Many ARM laptops are fanless—and whisper-quiet.
- Performance: Apple proved with the M1 that ARM chips can absolutely fly, even beating some Intel and AMD CPUs.
- Software is catching up: More apps are now optimized for ARM, and emulation bridges are improving.
- Sustainability: Energy-efficient computing is becoming a priority in both personal and enterprise tech.
Apple’s M-series: the ARM success story everyone talks about
Apple didn’t just dip its toes into ARM—they dove in headfirst. When the M1 chip launched in late 2020, it blew people away. Fast, efficient, and incredibly well-optimized, it set a new bar for what laptops could be.
What makes the M1 (and its siblings) so special?
- Speed: In real-world tasks, the M1 MacBook Air often beats pricier Intel-based laptops.
- Battery: 15 to 20 hours of use is the norm.
- No fan: That’s right—the MacBook Air is totally silent.
- Compatibility: Thanks to Rosetta 2, most older apps still work flawlessly.
Since then, Apple has released more powerful chips—the M1 Pro, Max, M2, and now M3—each one improving on the last. And because Apple controls both hardware and software, the experience is buttery smooth.
Microsoft’s ARM journey: slower, but picking up speed
Microsoft has had a rockier road. Its first try—Windows RT—was a flop. But with Windows 10 and now Windows 11 supporting ARM more seriously, the landscape is changing.
- Windows 11 on ARM now supports 64-bit x86 apps through emulation.
- Microsoft’s apps like Office, Edge, and Teams run natively on ARM.
- New chips like the Snapdragon X Elite promise serious performance boosts.
Still, it’s not as seamless as Apple’s approach. App support isn’t universal, and drivers can be hit or miss. But the direction is clear: Windows on ARM is becoming a real option.
Who’s making ARM laptops?
A bunch of big names are getting in on the action:
- Lenovo has devices like the Yoga C630, built for mobility and cloud work.
- HP’s Elite Folio is a stylish, fanless option with great battery life.
- Samsung’s Galaxy Book S offers a super-thin design and excellent standby time.
- ASUS and Acer are also experimenting, especially with ARM Chromebooks.
These laptops usually focus on:
- Battery: Think 18–24 hours.
- Connectivity: Built-in LTE or 5G.
- Portability: Ultra-thin, light, and silent.
Benchmarks: how do they perform?
- Apple’s M1/M2 chips crush many Intel and AMD laptops in real-world use.
- Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips are catching up, especially in daily productivity.
- In Chromebooks, ARM chips match or beat entry-level Intel processors.
Why choose an ARM laptop?
- Long battery life
- Quiet, fanless design
- Instant-on, smartphone-like experience
- Built-in 4G/5G (on some models)
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Secure, efficient architecture
But what are the downsides?
- Some apps still don’t run natively (especially on Windows)
- Gaming isn’t great on ARM yet
- Peripheral support can be patchy
- Pro software support is improving, but not perfect
Who are ARM laptops best for?
- Students who need all-day battery and portability
- Writers, journalists, bloggers working in cafes or on the road
- Field workers and sales reps using cloud apps on the go
- Developers building cross-platform or mobile apps (just check tool compatibility first)
What about software and development?
- Apple has great developer tools and most major apps are already ARM-native.
- Windows on ARM is improving fast—especially with new developer support in Visual Studio.
- Linux runs well on ARM with full community support.
- Android app support (on Chromebooks and Windows) adds flexibility.
Is ARM ready for enterprise?
Yes, for certain roles:
- Education: ARM Chromebooks are already common in schools.
- Field use: Mobile workers love the battery life and instant-on.
- Thin clients and kiosks: Low power, low cost, easy to deploy.
But full-scale enterprise rollout is still limited by software and management tool compatibility.
What’s next for ARM in laptops?
- Apple is doubling down—M3 is here, and M4 is on the horizon.
- Windows 12 will likely be even more ARM-friendly.
- Qualcomm is getting serious with high-performance chips.
- Sustainability pressures mean power efficiency is a must.
- More developers are embracing ARM-first workflows.
ARM laptops are no longer experimental—they’re here, and they’re good. Apple has proven the model works, and the Windows ecosystem is catching up. Battery life, portability, and silent operation are big wins. If your daily work doesn’t require niche Windows-only apps or high-end gaming, an ARM laptop could be your best option.
Image(s) used in this article are either AI-generated or sourced from royalty-free platforms like Pixabay or Pexels.
Did you enjoy this article? Buy me a coffee!
