20 years of Intel Macs: Why Apple switched, and why it switched again
Summary
Apple began working on making Mac OS X run on Intel processors around 2000 because its existing PowerPC chips had performance and heat problems. After years of developing Intel-based Macs, Apple is now ending support for these models as it fully moves to its own Apple Silicon chips.Key Facts
- In 2000, Apple engineer JK Scheinberg started a project to make Mac OS X run on Intel processors.
- At the time, Macs used PowerPC processors developed by Apple, IBM, and Motorola.
- Apple faced issues with PowerPC chips, particularly with heat and performance, especially for laptops.
- The Intel Mac project, initially called “Marklar,” started as a hobby but became an official contingency plan.
- Apple CEO Steve Jobs was unhappy with PowerPC performance and pushed for alternatives.
- Intel-based Macs officially launched after 2006, improving Mac performance and compatibility.
- Apple is now ending updates for Intel Mac models as it shifts entirely to Apple Silicon chips.
- Rosetta software, which lets Apple Silicon Macs run Intel apps, will still be supported for some time even after Intel Macs lose macOS updates.
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