Node.js 23: Official Support for New ARM Platform and Performance Growth

Node.js 23: A New Era for JavaScript on ARM Platforms

The JavaScript developer community has received a significant update: the Node.js team has announced full support for the ARMv9 architecture in the stable runtime version 23.0.0. This is not just another patch, but a strategic step that opens new horizons for Node.js in the fields of embedded systems, IoT, and cloud computing.

What has changed?

Previously, Node.js already worked on ARM devices (e.g., Raspberry Pi), but optimization was focused on the ARMv8 (64-bit) architecture. The new version includes:

• Native support for ARMv9 instructions — improved handling of matrix operations (SVE2) and cryptography;
• Reduced power consumption — up to 18% savings on I/O tasks;
• V8 engine acceleration — a performance increase in computations of up to 12% on new-generation ARM chips (Apple M4, AmpereOne, AWS Graviton4).

Why is this important for developers?

JavaScript, unlike system languages, is rarely associated with "hardware." However, Node.js has long moved beyond web servers. Now it is becoming a full-fledged tool for:

• Edge computing — running scripts directly on network routers and smart cameras;
• Cloud functions (FaaS) — optimized operation on ARM servers from AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure;
• Robotics and drones — a lightweight runtime with low latency.

How will this affect the ecosystem?

According to benchmarks, Node.js 23 on the Apple M4 chip handles HTTP requests 15% faster than on a previous-generation Intel Xeon x86 processor. This means JavaScript server applications can now be cheaper to host (ARM instances cost 20–30% less) without sacrificing performance.

Additionally, the update has affected build tools: node-gyp now automatically detects ARMv9 and selects optimal compilation flags. Developers will not have to manually edit configurations for the Raspberry Pi 5 or the new MacBook Air.

What's next?

The release of Node.js 23 is not the final point, but the beginning of the JavaScript ecosystem's transition to ARM. Support for RISC-V is already being tested, and plans include full integration with the WebAssembly System Interface (WASI) for bare-metal scenarios. If you use Node.js in the cloud or on devices, upgrading to version 23 is an investment in the future of your projects.

You can download the new version from the official Node.js website or through package managers (nvm, fnm). A detailed changelog is available in the GitHub repository.