Intel’s Application Optimization (APO) tool, launched with the Raptor Lake Refresh (14th gen processors), has faced skepticism from users due to the slow pace of updates. Initially designed to ensure that games run efficiently on the Performance cores (P-cores), APO has not seen frequent updates, which led many Intel CPU owners to question if the company had abandoned the feature altogether. 
However, an Intel engineer recently reassured users in a Reddit thread that the company is still fully committed to developing APO and plans to deliver updates more regularly.
The engineer, who goes by the username Aaron_McG_Official, explained that Intel is continuing to enhance the tool to support more games and improve performance. While previous updates have only added a few games to the list of supported titles, some users have struggled to get newer games working with APO. According to Intel, this is often due to system configurations or compatibility issues with specific CPU models, especially when systems aren’t running on ‘stock’ settings.
Despite complaints from some users, Intel has promised a new update in the near future. This update, slated for release by the end of the quarter, will improve APO’s capabilities. The engineer emphasized that the goal is not just to force games onto P-cores but to offer more sophisticated optimizations for overall performance. Intel’s APO tool has typically been available on a limited number of CPU models, but with the release of the Arrow Lake processors, support for newer chips will take precedence over older ones.
It’s still unclear exactly what features the upcoming update will introduce, but Intel is working to make APO a more comprehensive tool that goes beyond its original function of optimizing games for P-cores. Users will likely see broader improvements as the company continues to develop the feature.