Google has announced plans to release a native Arm64 version of its popular Google Drive cloud storage app for Windows on Arm devices later in 2024. This move addresses a notable absence in the app ecosystem for the emerging Snapdragon-powered Windows PC platform.
The news came during Qualcomm's presentation at IFA 2024, where CEO Cristiano Amon revealed several software developments for Windows on Arm:
- Google Drive will receive a native Arm64 Windows app later this year
- NordVPN and ExpressVPN are now available for Snapdragon laptops
- Google previously released an Arm64 version of Chrome for the platform
These additions help fill critical gaps in app availability that have limited the appeal of Arm-based Windows PCs. Google Drive in particular has been conspicuously missing, with the company actively blocking access on newer Qualcomm-powered devices.
The commitment to develop a native Drive app signals growing software support for Windows on Arm as Microsoft and Qualcomm push to expand the ecosystem. It follows Google's earlier release of an Arm-optimized Chrome browser.
For users heavily reliant on Google's cloud storage, the lack of a native Drive app has been a potential dealbreaker when considering Arm-based Windows laptops. While casual users could access Drive via web browsers, the absence of background syncing and full integration has been a notable limitation.
Qualcomm is simultaneously working to make Windows on Arm devices more affordable. New laptops featuring the Snapdragon X Plus chip now start at $899, with the company aiming for $700 price points by 2025. This combination of improved app support and lower costs could help Windows on Arm gain broader market traction.
While no specific release date was provided for the Google Drive app, its arrival will mark another milestone in the maturation of the Windows on Arm platform. As the software ecosystem continues to expand, these devices may become increasingly viable alternatives to traditional x86-based Windows PCs for a wider range of users.