Native ARM Support in Windows 10 and Its Implications for Mobile Integration

With Microsoft's recent decision to expand native support for ARM64 architectures in Windows 10, the question arises: does this dramatically change the landscape in terms of developing a unified mobile user interface (UI)? In this article, we will explore why creating a separate mobile UI for Windows 10 is not necessary and how far we are from truly merging the desktop and mobile versions of Windows 10.

Why Create a Separate Mobile UI?

Previously, Microsoft had to maintain a separate mobile operating system, Windows 10 Mobile, to cater to smaller touchscreen devices. However, as we will see, the current features and architecture of Windows 10 make a separate mobile UI less urgent.

Scalability and UWP Apps

One of the key advantages of Windows 10 is its scalability. The operating system already adapts well to touchscreen devices, and apps built for the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) perform excellently on smaller screens. These apps are designed to work seamlessly across a variety of form factors, from desktops to tablets and smartphones. This means that the transition from desktop to mobile is smooth and efficient, eliminating the need for a completely separate mobile UI.

Phase-Out of Windows 10 Mobile

Additionally, Windows 10 Mobile is in a precarious situation. Microsoft has officially announced that the operating system will be discontinued by the end of 2023. This last gasp for a mobile operating system that has been in decline for years signals the end of an era and further highlights the inefficiency of maintaining a separate mobile UI.

Effortless Porting of Win32 Apps

The transition to ARM64 architecture presents another compelling reason to avoid a separate mobile UI. Since Win32 apps, previously built for the x86 architecture, can simply be recompiled for ARM64, there is minimal overhead in porting these applications. Support for ARM64 is already available in Visual Studio, making the process of adapting existing applications smooth and straightforward.

Conclusion

With the enhanced support for ARM64 architecture in Windows 10, there is no compelling reason to create a separate mobile UI. The operating system's inherent flexibility and UWP apps ensure a seamless user experience across devices. Furthermore, the imminent discontinuation of Windows 10 Mobile and the ease of porting Win32 apps for ARM64 make the integration of the desktop and mobile versions of Windows 10 more feasible than ever before.

While the future of Windows 10 is bright, the current landscape provides clear indications that Microsoft is moving towards a unified approach, where the mobile and desktop experiences can converge, but the need for a completely separate mobile UI is not a necessary step in achieving this goal.