---
title: "ARM-AMI"
type: concept
tags: [AWS, AMI, ARM]
last_updated: 2026-05-07
---

## Definition

ARM-AMI refers to Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) built for EC2 instances running on ARM-based processors (Graviton/Graviton2/Graviton3). These AMIs are optimized for ARM architecture and offer better price-performance ratio compared to x86 AMIs for many workloads.

## Key Characteristics

- **Architecture**: ARM64 (AArch64), based on AWS Graviton processor family
- **Performance**: Better price-performance for many workloads (web servers, containers, microservices)
- **Cost**: Lower licensing costs (no x86 licensing fees)
- **Availability**: Available for Amazon Linux, Ubuntu, RHEL, and other supported OSes
- **Shared Infrastructure**: AMIs, EBS volumes, and KMS keys shared across all organization accounts

## AMI Roadmap Context

Per [[ctp-topic-50-ami-roadmap-for-aws-amis]], the ARM-AMI roadmap milestones:

- **November 2022**: RHEL 9 ARM planned
- **May 2023**: RHEL 9.4 ARM and Ubuntu 22.04 ARM
- **Starting May 2023**: All ARM processors related to AMIs are released synchronously

The ordering of ARM AMI releases is primarily driven by [[ADM]] (Architecture Decision Management) requirements.

## Related Concepts

- [[Foundation-AMI]]: CCOE-provided hardened base images on which product teams build
- [[AMI-Sharing]]: Cross-account AMI sharing mechanism
- [[OS-Hardening]]: Security hardening applied to AMIs

## Connections

- [[ctp-topic-50-ami-roadmap-for-aws-amis]] → defines ARM-AMI release roadmap
- [[ctp-topic-26-standard-ami-build-publish-share-processes]] → foundation AMI hardening standards apply to ARM variants
- [[ctp-topic-58-aws-ec2-image-builder]] → Image Builder used to create ARM-variant AMIs