The toolchain update adds support for Zephyr RTOS, making it easier to build systems with debugging and support for many hardware platforms.
IAR has released full production-ready support for the Zephyr Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) as part of its development platform, starting with Arm toolchain version 9.70. This gives embedded developers access to a safety-certified, professional-grade toolchain that now supports Zephyr for both commercial and safety-critical applications.
The toolchain includes an optimizing compiler, RTOS-aware debugging, and advanced code analysis, along with CI/CD integration for modern development workflows. Zephyr version 4.1 and later can now be built using IAR’s toolchain, with verified support across leading hardware platforms from NXP, ST, Nordic, and QEMU-based environments.
“For developers using Zephyr, this means they can now build scalable, secure, and standards-compliant systems using our debug and analysis tools,” said Thomas Andersson, Chief Product Officer at IAR.
This support is especially valuable for safety-critical projects. IAR’s TÜV-certified toolchain will soon offer support for key safety standards such as ISO 26262, IEC 61508, and IEC 62304. Built-in diagnostics and development tools also help speed up certification efforts and improve system reliability.
Zephyr, a lightweight and scalable RTOS hosted by the Linux Foundation, is widely adopted in embedded and IoT systems. IAR joined the Zephyr Project in January 2025 and has actively contributed to its progress. With this integration, developers can now combine the flexibility of open-source Zephyr with the reliability of IAR’s commercial tools.
“Zephyr RTOS is built to meet the growing demand for dependable, flexible RTOS solutions across embedded and IoT markets. With IAR’s reputation in supporting high-reliability development and optimization, this collaboration helps bridge the gap between open innovation and the stringent requirements of commercial deployment, particularly for safety-critical applications,” said Kate Stewart, Vice President of Dependable Embedded Systems at The Linux Foundation.
