Apple’s decision to transition from Intel processors to its own custom ARM-based M1 chip in 2020 marked a historic turning point for its Mac desktops and notebooks. This move was not only a significant hardware shift but also a bold statement of Apple’s ambition to have complete control over its hardware and software ecosystem. The transition from Intel to ARM was a complex process, involving both technical innovation and strategic planning. In this article, we’ll explore how the transition took place, the challenges in terms of software compatibility, and how Microsoft responded during this period with its own devices.
The Shift from Intel to ARM: Why Apple Made the Change
For over a decade, Apple’s Mac computers relied on Intel processors, which powered everything from the MacBook Air to the iMac. However, by 2020, Apple began to feel the limitations of Intel’s chips. Intel’s pace of innovation had slowed, and many of Apple’s competitors, particularly in the mobile market, were gaining an edge with ARM-based processors. ARM architecture, which is found in most smartphones, tablets, and increasingly in laptops, offered superior energy efficiency and performance, making it an ideal choice for Apple’s vision of the future.
Apple’s own ARM-based chips were already a massive success in the mobile space with the iPhone and iPad, so it was only natural that Apple would eventually bring this technology to its desktop and laptop lines. The move to the M1 chip was a calculated step to break free from Intel’s limitations, allow for tighter integration between hardware and software, and provide enhanced performance while maintaining energy efficiency.
The M1 Chip and ARM Architecture: A Leap Forward
The M1 chip, Apple’s first ARM-based processor for Macs, was a breakthrough in terms of performance and energy efficiency. Built on a 5nm process, the M1 chip integrates CPU, GPU, RAM, and more on a single chip, allowing for faster data access and enhanced power efficiency. Apple also introduced a unified memory architecture, which allowed the CPU, GPU, and other components to access the same pool of memory, resulting in faster processing and multitasking capabilities.
The transition was incredibly smooth from a hardware perspective. Apple’s M1 chip showed a leap in both performance and battery life, with benchmarks surpassing Intel-based Macs in many instances, particularly in single-core tasks. This was a clear sign that Apple’s decision to switch to ARM was paying off.
Software Compatibility: The Big Challenge
One of the biggest hurdles in the transition to ARM was software compatibility. Macs had been running on Intel architecture for years, and the entire macOS ecosystem, along with third-party applications, had been optimized for Intel-based chips. The concern was how software built for Intel would run on the new ARM-based Macs without major issues.
Apple’s solution was Rosetta 2, a dynamic binary translator that allowed Intel-based applications to run on the M1 Macs. Rosetta 2 translated the x86-64 instructions to ARM architecture in real time, allowing users to run older software seamlessly, without the need for developers to immediately update their apps.
In addition to Rosetta 2, Apple introduced Universal apps, which were designed to run natively on both Intel and ARM-based Macs. Developers could compile their apps to support both architectures, ensuring that users could have access to the latest software regardless of which Mac they were using.
Despite these efforts, the transition wasn’t entirely smooth. Some older software, particularly those relying on legacy technology or specific hardware configurations, faced compatibility issues. However, Apple’s focus on ensuring compatibility for most major applications, including its own ecosystem, made the transition easier for most users.
Microsoft’s Response: ARM Support and Progress in the Windows Ecosystem
During the same period, Microsoft was also exploring ARM architecture for its own devices, notably with the launch of Windows on ARM. Windows on ARM was initially introduced in 2017 with limited success, but the market for ARM-powered laptops was starting to gain momentum. Microsoft partnered with Qualcomm to bring ARM processors to the Windows ecosystem, starting with devices like the Microsoft Surface Pro X.
However, Windows on ARM faced its own set of challenges, especially with software compatibility. Unlike Apple, which could control both the hardware and the software, Microsoft was dealing with the complex task of ensuring that x86 and x64 Windows applications could run on ARM-based devices. Microsoft introduced emulation layers to run Intel-based apps on ARM devices, but performance was often not as seamless as Apple’s Rosetta 2 solution. In addition, not all software was optimized for ARM, meaning that users were often limited to a smaller selection of native apps.
Despite these challenges, Microsoft made strides in improving ARM support with each release of Windows. The introduction of ARM64-based devices, alongside updates to the Windows operating system, helped improve compatibility and performance. Microsoft also began collaborating with developers to encourage the creation of ARM-native apps, though it was clear that the ecosystem was still far behind Apple’s.
The Current State: Apple’s Success and Microsoft’s Continued Progress
As of 2025, Apple’s transition to ARM-based M1 and M2 chips has been a resounding success. The M1 and subsequent M2 chips have not only delivered on performance but have reshaped the Mac ecosystem. Apple continues to release new devices, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini, all powered by its custom chips, and the response from users and developers has been overwhelmingly positive. Rosetta 2 remains a key tool for ensuring compatibility with older software, while Universal apps continue to provide a bridge between Intel and ARM-based systems.
On the other hand, Microsoft has made progress in the ARM space but is still facing challenges in terms of application compatibility. The Surface Pro X, powered by the Microsoft SQ2 chip (developed in collaboration with Qualcomm), is a notable attempt to push ARM into the Windows ecosystem. However, the device still struggles with performance and compatibility issues when running traditional x86 apps. Microsoft has continued to improve ARM support with the introduction of Windows 11 and ongoing updates, but it’s clear that ARM is not yet the dominant architecture in the Windows world.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment in Computing
Apple’s decision to switch to ARM architecture with the M1 chip was a bold and visionary move, setting the stage for a new era of computing. The transition from Intel was carefully executed, with a focus on software compatibility through Rosetta 2 and Universal apps, allowing users to seamlessly migrate to the new hardware. Apple’s continued success with the M1 and M2 chips has solidified ARM’s place in the desktop and laptop markets.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has made progress with ARM-based Windows devices but still faces obstacles in creating a fully compatible and performant ecosystem. The competition between the two giants is far from over, but Apple’s pioneering work with ARM architecture has undoubtedly set a new standard for the industry.
The transition to ARM architecture is not just a hardware change—it’s a signal of the future of computing, where performance, efficiency, and integration will play a larger role in shaping how we use technology. Apple’s lead in this space has set a high bar, and the coming years will determine whether Microsoft can catch up and offer its own compelling ARM-based solutions.