What is an ARM processor?

An ARM processor is a type of CPU (Central Processing Unit) based on the RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) architecture, developed by ARM Holdings. Known for their energy efficiency and compact size, ARM processors are widely used in smartphones, tablets, embedded systems, and increasingly in laptops and servers.

ARM originally stood for Acorn RISC Machine, reflecting its origins at Acorn Computers in the 1980s. It later became known as Advanced RISC Machines, though today, it’s simply referred to as ARM.

The key difference lies in the architecture:

ARM processors use the RISC architecture, which simplifies instructions, allowing for lower power consumption and higher efficiency.

Intel and AMD processors typically use the CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) architecture, which has more complex instructions and is often found in desktops and laptops.

ARM processors are favoured for mobile devices and IoT applications due to their energy efficiency, while Intel and AMD dominate the desktop and high-performance computing markets.

Energy Efficiency: ARM processors consume less power, making them ideal for battery-powered devices.

Compact Size: Their small footprint is perfect for mobile devices and embedded systems.

Cost-Effective: Lower manufacturing costs make ARM chips affordable.

Scalability: ARM processors range from low-power microcontrollers to high-performance CPUs for servers.

Customisability: Manufacturers can licence ARM designs and modify them to fit specific needs.

ARM processors are versatile and used in various devices, including:

Smartphones and Tablets (e.g., Apple’s iPhones and iPads, Samsung Galaxy devices)

Embedded Systems (e.g., Raspberry Pi, smart home devices)

Wearables (e.g., smartwatches, fitness trackers)

Automotive Systems (e.g., in-car infotainment and navigation systems)

Laptops and Servers (e.g., Apple M1/M2 chips, AWS Graviton processors)

No. While ARM processors were initially popular in mobile devices, they are now increasingly used in laptops, desktop computers, and cloud servers. For example, Apple’s transition to ARM-based M1 and M2 chips for MacBooks showcases ARM’s capability in high-performance computing.

ARM Cortex: Designed for consumer electronics like smartphones, tablets, and embedded devices.

ARM Neoverse: Focused on infrastructure and server-grade processors, optimised for cloud computing and data centres.

While ARM processors are highly efficient, they are not traditionally known for high-end gaming or intensive tasks compared to x86 processors (like Intel or AMD). However, with the advent of ARM-based processors like Apple’s M1 and M2, ARM is proving capable of handling demanding tasks, including gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.

Many applications are now optimised for ARM processors, especially on platforms like Android and iOS. For desktop environments, compatibility depends on the operating system and software.

Windows on ARM supports many apps, but some legacy applications may require emulation.

Apple Silicon (M1/M2) runs both native and Intel-based apps via Rosetta 2.

Linux offers strong support for ARM, with many distributions available.

Yes, ARM processors have excellent Linux support. Many distributions, like Ubuntu, Debian, and Arch Linux, offer ARM-compatible versions. ARM-based devices like the Raspberry Pi commonly use Linux for development and projects.

ARM processors use the RISC architecture, which simplifies instructions and reduces the number of transistors required. This results in lower heat output and less power consumption, making ARM processors ideal for battery-powered devices and embedded systems.

ARM Holdings designs the architecture but does not manufacture the processors. Instead, it licenses the designs to companies that build their own chips, such as:

Apple (M1, M2 chips)

Qualcomm (Snapdragon processors)

Samsung (Exynos processors)

NVIDIA (Tegra processors)

Broadcom (used in Raspberry Pi)

ARM processors are becoming increasingly popular beyond mobile devices, entering the realms of desktop computing and cloud infrastructure. With major tech companies like Apple and Amazon adopting ARM-based solutions, it’s likely ARM will play a significant role in the future of energy-efficient and high-performance computing.

You can check your device’s specifications through the settings or manufacturer’s website. Devices running on iOS, Android, and many embedded systems almost certainly use ARM processors. For desktops or laptops, Apple’s M1/M2 Macs and some Windows ARM-based laptops use ARM chips.

For more detailed information, you can visit the official ARM website or explore online resources such as:

Raspberry Pi Projects: Hands-on experience with ARM-based devices.

Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer courses on ARM architecture and development.

Developer Communities: Forums like Stack Overflow and ARM’s community forums are great for troubleshooting and advice.