“The latest version of our Arm toolchain, version 9.70, extends the IAR platform with production-level support for Zephyr,” says Thomas Andersson, product manager at IAR. “This allows developers to combine the advantages of an open-source RTOS with our certified security toolchain and its advanced code analysis and debugging capabilities, and build scalable, secure, and standards-compliant embedded systems.”.
Hosted by the Linux Foundation, Zephyr RTOS is renowned for its lightweight design, scalability, and community-driven innovation, making it ideal for a wide range of embedded and IoT systems. IAR became a member of the Zephyr Project in January 2025 and has consistently contributed to the community ever since. With IAR's platform, developers now benefit from an optimized development experience that combines the flexibility of open source with enterprise-grade reliability.
“Zephyr RTOS was created to meet the growing demand for reliable and flexible RTOS solutions in the embedded systems and IoT markets. With IAR’s reputation for supporting high-reliability development and optimization, this collaboration helps bridge the gap between open innovation and the stringent requirements of commercial deployment, especially for safety-critical applications,” said Kate Stewart, Vice President of Reliable Embedded Systems at the Linux Foundation.
Zephyr 4.1 and later versions can now be compiled using the IAR toolchain for Arm, with verified support on targets from major silicon vendors such as NXP, ST, and Nordic, as well as in QEMU-based environments. The IAR platform adds value through a highly optimized compiler, RTOS-compatible debugging, and advanced code analysis capabilities. It enables modern integrated workflows with CI/CD integration, giving developers deeper insights into task scheduling, system behavior, and overall runtime performance during development.
Developers working in safety-critical environments will benefit from IAR's TÜV-certified toolchain. Support for functional safety standards such as ISO 26262, IEC 61508, and IEC 62304 is expected to be added soon, enabling teams to meet regulatory requirements. Combined with continuous integration capabilities and advanced diagnostics, the platform is designed to accelerate development and strengthen confidence in safety-critical applications.
