RISC Return: Apple’s bet on ARM processors pays off only if mainline companies rejig their apps to be compatible

Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processors have become the mainstay for mobile phone and tablets, but companies have not used these for their laptops. Those that did try—a Microsoft, Lenovo and Samsung—using Qualcomm chips, were not too successful owing to the absence of an ecosystem of apps. However, Apple relying on ARM for its laptop processors may bring back interest.

‘System on a chip’—which is what ARM fundamentally is—is the future of computing; this integrates all CPU power, RAM and processing on a single chip. This makes it more efficient for parts of a computer to communicate with each other. A move to ARM is also a shot in the arm for RISC (reduced instruction set computer)-based architecture, which ultimately entails longer battery life, slimmer laptops and better integration with other devices.