Innovative Solutions for ARM Compatibility
In a notable advancement for the VPN landscape, ExpressVPN has emerged as a pioneer by launching a VPN application that is fully compatible with next-generation Windows devices. This achievement is the result of a strategic collaboration with Qualcomm, the creators of the Snapdragon X Elite processor, and Microsoft, aimed at expediting the development of an ARM-compatible VPN solution.
Traditionally, many VPN applications have struggled to adapt to the high-performance capabilities of Qualcomm’s ARM-based processors. Recognizing this gap, the ExpressVPN team set out to create a solution that would not require building a native ARM application from the ground up. Peter Membrey, Chief Engineering Officer at ExpressVPN, expressed enthusiasm for the Snapdragon platform, stating, “Snapdragon is one of the most exciting things to happen to the Windows platform in recent times, and we saw this as an opportunity to showcase a high-performance VPN solution tailored for ARM’s capabilities.”
The primary challenge faced by VPN providers on ARM Windows machines has been the performance limitations associated with emulation. ExpressVPN has now addressed this issue by leveraging the capabilities of Microsoft’s new Prism emulator, introduced with the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade. This emulator allows emulated applications to perform at a level comparable to native builds, paving the way for a more efficient development process.
By adapting its proprietary WireGuard-inspired VPN protocol, Lightway, to work seamlessly with Microsoft’s enhanced emulation, ExpressVPN has successfully overcome the initial hurdles. Membrey elaborated, “By leveraging Microsoft’s enhanced emulation and Lightway’s adaptable architecture, we were able to solve initial limitations and deliver this build efficiently.”
This hybrid approach promises users the dual benefits of robust security inherent in a premium VPN service and a significantly reduced development timeline. Currently, only a select few VPN services are available for ARM Windows devices, with Private Internet Access (PIA) launching its ARM-native app recently, while Windscribe and Surfshark have also made strides in this area. Other notable providers, including NordVPN and ProtonVPN, are in the process of developing their own ARM-compatible solutions.
ExpressVPN’s innovative strategy not only positions it as a leader in the VPN market but also sets a precedent that could expedite the transition of other providers to ARM compatibility. Membrey concluded with a sense of pride in their accomplishments, stating, “We’re proud to be one of the first major VPN providers to demonstrate our commitment to this platform, and we will continue to optimize Lightway and our software to ensure that users can enjoy the best that Snapdragon, Microsoft, and ExpressVPN have to offer.”