Proton VPN has made a significant leap in the VPN industry by launching a native application specifically designed for ARM-based Windows devices. Announced on November 5, 2024, this new app integrates Proton VPN’s core functionalities, privacy, and security features, ensuring users can experience uninterrupted and secure browsing on their ARM-based Windows machines. This development represents a collaboration between Proton VPN and Microsoft, aiming to provide a dedicated and reliable VPN solution for these advanced devices. The introduction of this ARM-native application highlights a strategic approach toward addressing the needs of modern users who require robust privacy and security features on cutting-edge device architectures.
Proton VPN’s latest application comes at a crucial time when ARM-based devices are gaining traction due to their energy efficiency and enhanced processing capabilities. The compatibility hurdle faced by VPN providers has pushed Proton VPN to develop this app from scratch, ensuring it fully leverages the advantages of ARM architecture. Antonio Cesarano, Product Lead at Proton VPN, stated that although the development was specialized, it proceeded relatively smoothly, thanks to the comprehensive preparation and support frameworks put in place. This development signifies an ongoing effort by Proton VPN to support not only Windows but also other platforms like macOS and Linux, which are expected to receive similar ARM support soon.
The Rise of ARM-Based Devices
The rise of ARM-based devices in recent years has been largely driven by the significant enhancements they offer in terms of efficiency and performance. The introduction of the Snapdragon X Elite chip in new Windows devices over the summer has brought enhanced battery life and rapid performance, thanks to its Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of handling up to 45 trillion operations per second. Despite these advancements, VPN apps for Snapdragon devices lagged, compelling providers to build new applications compatible with ARM architecture from scratch. Proton VPN’s successful collaboration with Microsoft enabled the development of a fully operational VPN app for these devices, setting a new standard for secure and private browsing experiences.
The successful launch of Proton VPN’s ARM-native app showcases not only the technical prowess involved but also the practical benefits for end-users. Users of ARM-based Windows devices can now enjoy a more seamless and secure online experience, devoid of the compatibility issues that plagued earlier VPN solutions. Cesarano highlighted the intense preparation and support efforts put in place to aid ARM device users in adopting this new application. This development is not confined to Windows alone, as Proton VPN is already working on extending ARM support to macOS and Linux platforms. Thus, users across different operating systems are poised to benefit from enhanced security and performance optimized for ARM architecture.
Industry Trends and Competitor Moves
Proton VPN’s launch follows a trend where leading VPN providers have started rolling out their ARM-native applications. Notably, NordVPN recently unveiled its app for Snapdragon PCs, while Private Internet Access (PIA) launched theirs in August. Windscribe and Surfshark have also released similar apps. ExpressVPN, diverging from this path, chose to leverage Microsoft’s Prism emulator, suggesting that emulated apps could perform as well as native builds by optimizing their WireGuard-inspired protocol, Lightway, for ARM devices. However, Proton VPN’s approach to develop a native app from the ground up underscores its commitment to delivering a superior user experience tailored to these advanced devices.
Cesarano maintains that native applications inherently perform better, citing Proton VPN’s use of the standard Wireguard protocol and open-source technologies as evidence of their superior security and performance. This stance highlights a broader industry trend towards prioritizing native app development to fully tap into the potential of ARM-based systems. By focusing on native compatibility, Proton VPN sets a benchmark for security and efficiency that other providers might follow. This commitment reflects Proton VPN’s dedication to maintaining its reputation as a top-tier VPN service provider, ensuring that users receive the best possible service without compromising on security or performance.
Upcoming Features and Enhancements
Alongside the introduction of its ARM-native app, Proton VPN announced forthcoming updates to be released over the winter season. These include IPv6 support expanding to more apps beyond its current availability in browser extensions and Linux apps, enhancing VPN functionality and security. Port forwarding, currently available on Windows, is set to extend to macOS and Linux. This feature allows external devices to access computers on a private network through a VPN by routing connections through Proton VPN’s firewall. These updates are aimed at providing users with more robust and versatile VPN solutions that meet their diverse needs.
An exciting development for iOS and iPadOS users is the upcoming guest mode feature that simplifies access by removing credential logins, previously introduced on Android. Moreover, new Windows and iOS/iPadOS apps will be launched, promising further customizations, new mobile widgets, battery optimizations, and improvements tailored for gamers. These updates indicate Proton VPN’s strong commitment to enhancing user experiences across various platforms. The series of enhancements also underscores Proton VPN’s dedication to staying ahead of the curve by continuously improving and adapting its services in response to evolving user expectations and technological advancements.
Strategic Collaborations and Future Directions
Proton VPN has made a notable advancement in the VPN market by launching a native app tailored for ARM-based Windows devices. Announced on November 5, 2024, this new application incorporates Proton VPN’s essential functionalities, along with robust privacy and security features, ensuring seamless and secure browsing for users on ARM-based Windows machines. This development is a collaboration between Proton VPN and Microsoft, aimed at offering a dedicated and reliable VPN solution for these advanced devices. The launch of this ARM-native app underscores a strategic focus on meeting the needs of modern users who demand strong privacy and security features on innovative device architectures.
This new Proton VPN app arrives at a pivotal moment when ARM-based devices are becoming more popular due to their energy efficiency and superior processing capabilities. The compatibility challenges faced by other VPN providers motivated Proton VPN to develop this app from scratch, fully leveraging the benefits of ARM architecture. Antonio Cesarano, Product Lead at Proton VPN, mentioned that despite the specialized development, the process was smooth due to extensive preparation and support frameworks. This move reflects Proton VPN’s commitment to supporting various platforms, with ARM support for macOS and Linux expected soon.
