Microsoft, Qualcomm partner on App Assure to get Windows 10 on ARM PCs ready for the Apple Silicon MacBook challenge

Microsoft and Qualcomm are bringing their App Assure Program to Windows 10 PCs running Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx and 8cx Gen 2 chipsets. The platform is yet to take off despite Arm-based Windows 10 PCs delivering outstanding battery life largely because of app incompatibility issues. Although Windows 10 on Arm runs many 32-bit x86 apps in emulation compatibility issues continue to undermine the reliability of the platform for both consumers and enterprise customers.

The App Assure with FastTrack program is aimed at helping customers, developers and independent software vendors address application compatibility issues. Microsoft says that a key strength of Windows 10 on x86 machines is app compatibility and that it wants Windows 10 on Arm to offer the same experience. Helping accelerate the uptake of the program, the companies are making it free for qualifying customers.

Apple will start its official transition to its in-house Arm-based Apple Silicon Macs before the end of the year. With its edge in Arm-based silicon designs, Apple is likely to popularize Arm-based computing platforms and this announcement by Microsoft and Qualcomm will help to ensure that Window on Arm machines are a viable alternative for potential buyers. This, of course, leaves Intel in an inevitable position challenged as it is by Arm-based machines on both the consumer and enterprise side with the rise of Arm-based servers gaining momentum.