Best Messaging Apps for ARM Devices (2025 Update)
Top 2025 messaging apps optimized for ARM smartphones, tablets, and laptops (M1/M2 Macs, Windows on ARM, Chromebooks).
Telegram (best all-rounder), Signal (privacy-first), WhatsApp (global reach), iMessage (Apple ecosystem), Facebook Messenger (social media users).
What Are ARM Devices?
ARM processors power billions of devices worldwide, known for their energy efficiency, low heat, and long battery life. You’ll find ARM architecture in:
- Smartphones – Android phones and iPhones
- Tablets – iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, and other Android tablets
- Chromebooks & Raspberry Pi – ARM-based laptops and single-board computers
- Windows on ARM laptops – Surface Pro X, Lenovo ThinkPad X13s, and similar devices
- Apple Silicon Macs – M1, M2, and M3 MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac minis
Apps optimized for ARM run faster, use less battery, and handle multitasking better than emulated or x86-only apps.
Top Messaging Apps for ARM Devices
1. Telegram
Why it shines on ARM: Native ARM builds for Android, macOS (M1/M2), and Linux. Cloud-based storage, blazing-fast message delivery, and massive media support (up to 2GB per file).
Key features:
- End-to-end encrypted Secret Chats
- Channels, bots, and group support for 200,000+ members
- Lightweight, fast, and very battery-efficient on ARM devices
Best for: Fast, media-heavy communication on ARM laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
2. Signal
Why it shines on ARM: Open-source, privacy-focused, with native support for ARM macOS and Android. No ads, trackers, or metadata collection.
Key features:
- End-to-end encryption via the Signal Protocol
- Disappearing messages and screen security
- Minimal resource usage on ARM processors
Best for: Privacy-first users and journalists on ARM-powered phones, tablets, and laptops.
3. WhatsApp
Why it shines on ARM: Native M1/M2 macOS desktop app (launched 2024) and ARM-optimized Android app. Multi-device sync works across phones, tablets, and desktops.
Key features:
- End-to-end encryption by default
- Video calls, status updates, and document sharing
- WhatsApp Web also runs well on ARM laptops and Chromebooks
Best for: Global communication with friends and family on ARM smartphones and laptops.
4. Facebook Messenger
Why it shines on ARM: ARM-optimized for Android and Chromebooks. Integrates with Facebook, Instagram, and Portal devices.
Key features:
- High-quality video calls and AR effects
- Chatbots, games, and social media integration
- Lightweight on ARM tablets and phones
Best for: Social media users on ARM phones, tablets, and Chromebooks.
5. iMessage
Why it shines on ARM: Fully native on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) Macs. Seamless syncing across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Key features:
- End-to-end encryption with iCloud integration
- Rich media, stickers, and reactions
- Low CPU and battery usage on ARM Macs
Best for: Apple users who want cross-device messaging on ARM devices.
Honorable Mentions
Popular in Asia, with an ARM-optimized Android version. Great for messaging, payments, and mini-programs on ARM phones and tablets.
Slack
M1-native macOS app; web client also runs well on ARM laptops and Chromebooks. Ideal for teams and work chat on ARM devices.
Discord
Native M1 support on macOS; web version is ARM-friendly. Great for communities, gaming, and voice chat on ARM laptops and tablets.
Features That Matter on ARM Devices
| Feature | Importance for ARM Devices |
|---|---|
| ✅ Native ARM builds | Faster, smoother, and more energy-efficient performance |
| 🔒 End-to-end encryption | Secure messaging on mobile and laptops |
| 🗑️ Multi-device sync | Works across tablets, phones, and desktops |