In the evolving landscape of Windows on ARM computing, the significance of native applications cannot be overstated. While powerful ARM-based machines can technically run unoptimized applications through an emulation layer, the experience often falls short of what users expect from native performance. The recent launch of Copilot+ PCs has marked a notable improvement in this area, and developers are increasingly embracing the initiative.
Adobe Illustrator Joins the Ranks
Adobe Illustrator has become the latest addition to the roster of applications supporting Windows on ARM devices. Creative Cloud users equipped with Copilot+ PCs, such as the Surface Pro 11 or Laptop 7, can now download a native version of this renowned image editor, which specializes in scalable vector graphics—a staple in various creative industries.
It is important to note that this version of Adobe Illustrator is currently in beta, meaning users may encounter some minor issues as the software continues to be refined. Nevertheless, the introduction of Illustrator marks a significant milestone, as it is the third native app from Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite for Windows on ARM, following the successful launches of Photoshop and Lightroom. The anticipation now builds for Premiere Pro, Adobe’s video-editing software, which is expected to arrive soon, as the company has hinted at a release in July.
For those in need of a native video editing solution on their Copilot+ PCs, Davinci Resolve 19 has also recently rolled out beta support for Windows on ARM, providing an alternative for users eager to explore video editing capabilities.
While the spotlight shines on the latest Snapdragon X Elite and Plus-powered Windows computers, users of older ARM devices, such as the Surface Pro 9 5G, will also benefit from enhanced performance and efficiency with the new Adobe Illustrator Beta.
For those who have recently acquired a Windows on ARM PC and are curious about whether specific applications are running natively or through emulation, a quick check can be performed via the Task Manager. By navigating to the Details tab and examining the Architecture column, users can easily identify the nature of their applications.
