While Apple has always offered Windows support on Intel Macs, new machines with the ARM-based M1 chip can only run macOS natively. The reason may be related to a special deal between Microsoft and Qualcomm that is finally coming to an end – and this means that Windows could finally be available natively for M1 Mac users.
According to XDA, Qualcomm has a special agreement with Microsoft to ensure that the company’s ARM chips are the only ones that support native Windows. According to sources familiar with the situation, this agreement is about to expire, which means Microsoft will be able to license Windows to other ARM chip makers for the first time.
Although the exact date of this agreement’s expiration is unknown at this time, the report states that it is expected to expire very soon. Qualcomm was granted exclusivity because the semiconductor company assisted Microsoft in the development of Windows ARM. Other companies, such as MediaTek, are already planning to develop ARM chips that can run Windows.
Microsoft and Qualcomm first announced Windows on ARM in 2016. It was a big deal because it would be able to emulate x86 apps, which was what set it apart from the failed Windows RT. A year later, the devices were announced and began shipping shortly after. Since then, Microsoft has added x64 emulation, as well as ARM64EC, to Windows 11, making it easier to run apps natively with emulated plug-ins.
The good news for Mac users is that with the termination of the Microsoft and Qualcomm agreement, Apple may be able to license Windows 11 support for the M1 chip family. Because these machines lack Boot Camp, the only way to run Windows on M1 Macs is to use a virtual machine. Running the system natively would allow for even better performance, which is ideal for gaming.
