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{{Short description|2005–2006 change of processors in Apple computers}}
{{About|Apple's transition of its Mac computers from the PowerPC architecture to Intel processors|details on the architecture of Intel-based Apple computers|Apple–Intel architecture}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2013}}
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The '''Mac transition to Intel processors''' was the process of switching the [[central processing unit]]s (CPUs) of [[Apple Inc.|Apple]]'s line of [[Mac (computer)|Mac]] and [[Xserve]] computers from [[PowerPC]] processors over to [[Intel]]'s [[x86-64]] processors.{{efn|Initial models featured a [[IA-32|32-bit x86]] CPU, and were subsequently replaced with an [[x86-64]] CPU.}} The change was announced at the 2005 [[Worldwide Developers Conference]] (WWDC) by then-Apple CEO [[Steve Jobs]], who said Apple would gradually stop using PowerPC [[microprocessor]]s supplied by [[Freescale]] (formerly [[Motorola]]) and [[IBM]].<ref name="apple-pr-2005">{{cite web |title=Apple to Use Intel Microprocessors Beginning in 2006 |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2005/06/06Apple-to-Use-Intel-Microprocessors-Beginning-in-2006/ |website=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=23 June 2020 |date=6 June 2005 |archive-date=January 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130185804/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2005/06/06Apple-to-Use-Intel-Microprocessors-Beginning-in-2006/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The transition was the second time Apple had switched the processor [[instruction set architecture]] of its personal computers. The first was in 1994, when Apple discarded the Mac's original [[Motorola 68000 series]] architecture in favor of the then-new PowerPC platform.<ref name="CNET1">{{cite news |last1=Shankland |first1=Stephen |title=Apple gives Macs a brain transplant with new Arm chips starting this year |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-gives-macs-a-brain-transplant-with-new-arm-chips/ |access-date=23 June 2020 |work=[[CNet]] |date=22 June 2020 |archive-date=December 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217001241/https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-gives-macs-a-brain-transplant-with-new-arm-chips/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Apple's initial press release originally outlined that the move would begin by June 2006, with completion slated by early 2008 – the transition had proceeded faster than anticipated. The first-generation Intel-based Macs were released in January 2006 with [[Mac OS X Tiger|Mac OS X 10.4.4 Tiger]]. In August, Jobs announced the last models to switch, with the [[Mac Pro]] available immediately and the Intel [[Xserve]] available by October,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1052233/liveupdate.html|website=[[Macworld]]|title=WWDC Live Keynote Update|first=Peter|last=Cohen|date=August 6, 2006|access-date=November 20, 2019|archive-date=June 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606021417/https://www.macworld.com/article/1052233/liveupdate.html|url-status=live}}</ref> although shipments for the latter computer line did not start until December.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://images.apple.com/xserve/pdf/Xserve_TechnologyOverview12202006.pdf |title=Xserve Technology Overview|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223000409/https://images.apple.com/xserve/pdf/Xserve_TechnologyOverview12202006.pdf|archive-date=December 23, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The final version of [[Mac OS X]] that ran on PowerPC processors was [[Mac OS X Leopard|Leopard]], released in October 2007, with PowerPC binary translation support (using [[Rosetta (software)|Rosetta]]) persisting up through the following version, [[Mac OS X Snow Leopard|Snow Leopard]].<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2008/06/09Apple-Previews-Mac-OS-X-Snow-Leopard-to-Developers/ | title=Apple Previews Mac OS X Snow Leopard to Developers | publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] | date=June 9, 2008 | access-date=2017-12-04 | archive-date=November 1, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101112448/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2008/06/09Apple-Previews-Mac-OS-X-Snow-Leopard-to-Developers/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Support was later dropped in [[Mac OS X Lion|Lion]].

In 2020, Apple announced that it would [[Mac transition to Apple silicon|shift its Mac line to Apple silicon]], which are [[ARM architecture|ARM]]-based systems-on-a-chip developed in-house.<ref name="CNET1"/>

==Background==
[[File:PPC-970fx.jpg|thumb|280px|A PowerPC 970FX processor, which was used in a number of Apple computers featuring PowerPC G5 processors]]
Apple had been using PowerPC processors in its products for 11 years when the move to Intel processors was announced.

At 2003's WWDC keynote address, Jobs unveiled a [[Power Mac G5|Power Mac]] with a processor from IBM's [[PowerPC 970|PowerPC G5]] product line,<ref name="MacStories1">{{cite news |last1=Hackett |first1=Stephen |title=The Mighty Power Mac G5 |url=https://www.macstories.net/mac/the-mighty-power-mac-g5/ |access-date=23 June 2020 |work=MacStories |date=14 June 2018 |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126190843/https://www.macstories.net/mac/the-mighty-power-mac-g5/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the first personal computer to feature a [[64-bit computing|64-bit]] processor.<ref name="MacStories1"/>

He promised a 3 [[Hertz|GHz]] Power Mac G5 within 12 months, but never released such a product.<ref name="MacStories1"/> In 2004's WWDC keynote address, Jobs addressed the broken promise, saying IBM had trouble moving to a fabrication process lower than the [[90 nm process]].<ref name="MacStories1"/> Apple officials also said in 2003 they planned to release a [[PowerBook]] with a G5 processor,<ref name="iMore1">{{cite news |last1=Hackett |first1=Stephen |title=The Switch to Intel |url=https://www.imore.com/switch-intel |access-date=23 June 2020 |work=[[iMore]] |date=24 June 2016 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726071411/https://www.imore.com/switch-intel |url-status=live }}</ref> but such a product never materialized. [[Tim Cook]], then Apple's Executive Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Operations, said during an earnings call that putting a G5 in a PowerBook was "the mother of all thermal challenges".<ref>{{cite news |title=Analysis: Timing Isn't Right for G5 PowerBook |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1042635/pbg5.html |access-date=25 June 2020 |work=MacJournals.com (Via [[Macworld]]) |date=7 February 2005 |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812094034/https://www.macworld.com/article/1042635/pbg5.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In addition, there were reports that IBM officials had concerns over the profitability of a low-volume business, which caused tensions with Apple and its desires for a wide variety of PowerPC processors.<ref name="CNET2">{{cite news |last1=Shankland |first1=Stephen |title=Apple to ditch IBM, switch to Intel chips |url=https://www.sfgate.com/technology/cnet/article/Apple-to-ditch-IBM-switch-to-Intel-chips-2665610.php |access-date=24 June 2020 |work=[[CNet|CNet News.com]] (Via SFGate.com) |date=4 June 2005 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726071652/https://www.sfgate.com/technology/cnet/article/Apple-to-ditch-IBM-switch-to-Intel-chips-2665610.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

==History==
===1980s===
Apple's efforts to move to Intel hardware began in 1985. After Jobs left the company an internal proposal was quickly disapproved by management,<ref name="LowEndMac1">{{cite web |last1=Hormby |first1=Tom |title=Star Trek: Apple's First Mac OS on Intel Project |url=https://lowendmac.com/2014/star-trek-apples-first-mac-os-on-intel-project/ |website=LowEndMac |access-date=24 June 2020 |date=27 April 2014 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115071539/https://lowendmac.com/2014/star-trek-apples-first-mac-os-on-intel-project/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which also declined a late-1980s proposal by [[Andy Grove]] of Intel for Apple to migrate to x86.{{r|forbes20031009}}

===1990s===
In the 1990s, Intel often took out ads in ''[[Macworld]]'' convincing Macintosh users to switch to PCs powered by Intel CPUs.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://archive.org/details/MacWorld_9312_December_1993/page/n3/mode/2up | title=Intel advertisement |magazine=[[MacWorld]] | date=December 1993 }}</ref>

The first known attempt by Apple to move to Intel's platform was the [[Star Trek project]], a code name given to a secret project to run a port of [[Classic Mac OS]] [[System 7]] and its applications on an Intel-compatible personal computer. The effort began on February 14, 1992, with the blessing of Grove.<ref name="LowEndMac1"/>

Apple leaders set an October 31 deadline to create a working prototype. The team met that deadline, and had a functional demo ready by December. [[John Sculley]]'s departure during the Star Trek project was a factor in the project's termination. [[Michael Spindler]], who took over as Apple's CEO, instead devoted most of Apple's resources to [[Power Macintosh]], the ongoing transition to PowerPC.<ref name="LowEndMac1"/>

After Apple's 1997 acquisition of [[NeXT]], Apple began to rework their [[NeXTSTEP]] operating system into a successor to the classic Mac OS, codenamed [[Rhapsody (operating system)|Rhapsody]]. Jobs (who rejoined Apple upon the purchase) demonstrated an Intel-compatible build of Rhapsody to [[Dell]] founder and namesake [[Michael Dell]]. Jobs offered to license the new OS to Dell for its PCs, so that users could choose between it and [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]. However, Dell declined when Jobs insisted that the company license the operating system for every PC it ships, regardless of whether or not the user wanted to use Mac OS.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Guglielmo|first=Connie|title=The Apple-Dell deal that could have changed history|url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/the-steve-jobs-deal-with-dell-that-could-have-changed-apple-and-tech-history/|access-date=2021-10-29|website=CNET|language=en|archive-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029173341/https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/the-steve-jobs-deal-with-dell-that-could-have-changed-apple-and-tech-history/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Early 2000s===
[[File:Steve Jobs Presentation 1.jpg|thumb|Then-CEO Steve Jobs announces the Intel transition at WWDC 2005.]]
In the years since the end of the Star Trek project, there were reports of Apple working to port its operating system to Intel's x86 processors, with one engineer managing to get Apple's OS to run on a number of Intel-powered computers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Savov |first1=Vlad |title=The humble beginnings of OS X on Intel |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/11/3077651/apple-intel-mac-os-x-retrospective |access-date=24 June 2020 |work=[[The Verge]] |date=11 June 2012 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726072137/https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/11/3077651/apple-intel-mac-os-x-retrospective |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2001, Jobs and then [[Sony]] president [[Kunitake Andō]] reportedly had a meeting to discuss the possibility of running Apple's operating system on its [[Vaio]] computers. Jobs even presented a Vaio running Mac OS. Such negotiations ultimately came to nothing.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Souppouris |first1=Aaron |title=Steve Jobs wanted Sony VAIOs to run OS X |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/5/5380832/sony-vaio-apple-os-x-steve-jobs-meeting-report |access-date=24 June 2020 |work=[[The Verge]] |date=5 February 2014 |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201115332/https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/5/5380832/sony-vaio-apple-os-x-steve-jobs-meeting-report |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2002, it was reported that Apple had more than a dozen software engineers tasked to a project code-named "Marklar," with a mission to steadily work on maintaining X86-compatible builds of Mac OS X.<ref>{{cite news |last1=dePlume |first1=Nick |title=Apple Keeps x86 Torch Lit with Marklar |url=https://www.eweek.com/apple/apple-keeps-x86-torch-lit-with-marklar |access-date=24 June 2020 |work=[[eWeek]] |date=30 August 2002}}</ref>

It was noted in 2003 by IBM in an article published to its [[intranet]] that Apple felt a transition to Intel would present massive software changes that it wanted to avoid.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Arnold |title=IBM on Apple/Intel and the G5 |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2003/09/12/ibm-on-apple-intel-and-the-g5/ |access-date=24 June 2020 |work=[[MacRumors]] |date=12 September 2003 |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020005737/https://www.macrumors.com/2003/09/12/ibm-on-apple-intel-and-the-g5/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nevertheless, rumors of an impending announcement of a transition to Intel cropped up in 2000 and 2003.<ref name="MacRumors1">{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Arnold |title='Intel Based Mac' Rumor Roundup... [Updated x2] |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2005/06/05/intel-based-mac-rumor-roundup/ |access-date=25 June 2020 |work=[[MacRumors]] |date=4 June 2005 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031220502/https://www.macrumors.com/2005/06/05/intel-based-mac-rumor-roundup/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Sculley said in 2003 that not choosing Intel for Apple was "probably one of the biggest mistakes I've ever made". Apple did not foresee Intel's ability to improve x86's [[complex instruction set computing|CISC]] architecture to match [[RISC]], and did not have access to commodity x86 components to compete on price with rivals like [[Dell]], he said.<ref name="forbes20031009">{{Cite magazine |date=2003-10-09 |title=Ex-Apple CEO Regrets Nixing Intel |url=https://www.forbes.com/2003/10/09/1009intelpinnacor.html |access-date=2025-06-28 |magazine=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>

===2005===
News reports of an impending announcement by Apple to transition to Intel processors surfaced in early June 2005,<ref name="CNET2"/> close to that year's WWDC. The announcement was made during that year's WWDC Keynote Address.<ref name="apple-pr-2005"/>

At the time Apple announced the transition, Jobs attributed the switch to a superior product roadmap that Intel offered,<ref name="CNET3">{{cite news |last1=Crothers |first1=Brooke |title=Four years later: Why did Apple drop PowerPC? |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/four-years-later-why-did-apple-drop-powerpc/ |access-date=23 June 2020 |work=[[CNet]] |date=15 June 2009 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112033651/https://www.cnet.com/news/four-years-later-why-did-apple-drop-powerpc/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as an inability to build products envisioned by Apple based on the PowerPC product roadmap.<ref name="iMore1"/> Meanwhile, pricing disputes with IBM, in addition to a desire by Apple to give its computer the ability to run [[Microsoft Windows]], were reportedly factors for the switch as well.<ref name="CNET1"/><ref name="CNET3"/>

==Reaction to the change==
At the time, a research director for [[Ovum Ltd.]] called the move "risky" and "foolish", noting that Intel's innovation in processor design is overshadowed by both AMD and IBM.<ref name="Computerworld1">{{cite news |last1=Bennett |first1=Amy |title=Apple shifting from PowerPC to Intel |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2809210/apple-shifting-from-powerpc-to-intel.html |access-date=4 August 2020 |work=[[Computerworld]] |date=2005 |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113060929/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2809210/apple-shifting-from-powerpc-to-intel.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Another analyst said the move risks diluting Apple's value proposition, since it will now have less control over its product road map, in addition to the risk of alienating its loyal users.<ref name="Computerworld1"/>

===AMD===
Some observers expressed surprise that Apple made a deal with Intel instead of with [[AMD]].<ref name="MacWorld1">{{cite news |last1=McLaughlin |first1=Laurianne |title=Analysis: Why Apple picked Intel over AMD |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1046961/intelvsamd.html |access-date=24 June 2020 |work=[[MacWorld]] |date=14 September 2005 |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024040545/https://www.macworld.com/article/1046961/intelvsamd.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2005, AMD had become popular with gamers and the budget conscious,<ref name="MacWorld1"/> but some analysts believed AMD's lack of low-power designs at the time was behind Apple's decision to go with Intel.<ref name="MacWorld1"/>

In 2011, Apple investigated using AMD's low power [[AMD Fusion#Llano .2832.C2.A0nm.29 2|Llano APU]] for the [[MacBook Air]], but eventually opted for Intel due to AMD's potential inability to supply enough Llano processors to meet demand.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.semiaccurate.com/2011/11/17/apple-macbook-air-with-amd-processor-dead/ |title=Exclusive: Apple MacBook Air with AMD processor dead |date=2011-11-17 |publisher=[[SemiAccurate]] |access-date=December 31, 2012 |archive-date=January 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131005152/http://www.semiaccurate.com/2011/11/17/apple-macbook-air-with-amd-processor-dead/#.UQnAMC_P32c |url-status=live }}</ref>

===32-bit regression===
Apple had created the world's first consumer 64-bit desktop computer with its G5 based line-up; however, the first Intel-based Macs included only [[Intel Core Duo]] processors, which were 32-bit. Apple refreshed its line of computers six months later, adding Intel's new [[Intel Core 2 Duo]] 64-bit processors.

===Concerns over Rosetta performance===
When [[Rosetta (software)|Rosetta]] was announced, it was noted that the translation software is designed to translate applications that run on a "PowerPC with a G3 processor and that are built for Mac OS X."<ref name="CNET4"/> It was noted at the time that translated software performs at a level between 50% and 80% of native software.<ref name="CNET4"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Norr |first1=Henry |title=Core Duo iMacs debut speedy new chips |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1049163/intelimacs.html |access-date=4 August 2020 |work=[[Macworld]] |date=28 January 2006 |quote=Second, programs that do run on the translator generally work at roughly half the speed they deliver on PowerPC processors... |archive-date=December 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206194123/https://www.macworld.com/article/1049163/intelimacs.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The announcement caused concerns over performance.

===Intel===
At the time the transition was announced, it was noted that a degree of enmity towards Intel exists amongst some fans of Apple products, due to Intel's close identification with Microsoft.<ref name="SanJoseMercuryNews1">{{cite news |last1=Chmielewski |first1=Dawn |title=2005: Changing Apple"s core — Jobs says Intel chips will replace IBM in Macintosh beginning next summer |url=https://www.montereyherald.com/2015/03/04/2005-changing-apples-core-jobs-says-intel-chips-will-replace-ibm-in-macintosh-beginning-next-summer/ |access-date=24 June 2020 |work=[[The Mercury News|San Jose Mercury News]] (via [[The Monterey County Herald|Monterey Herald]]) |date=7 June 2005 |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110001518/https://www.montereyherald.com/2015/03/04/2005-changing-apples-core-jobs-says-intel-chips-will-replace-ibm-in-macintosh-beginning-next-summer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, It was noted by Intel's then CEO, [[Paul Otellini]], that Apple and Intel's relationship was strained at times, especially due to Apple's commission of an ad that shows Intel processors being outperformed by PowerPC processors.<ref name="SanJoseMercuryNews1"/>

While there were questions over whether Apple would put the [[Intel Inside]] stickers on its products, Jobs dispelled such a possibility, saying it is redundant when Apple's use of Intel processors is well-known.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pot |first1=Justin |title=Why Don't Macs Have "Intel Inside" Stickers? |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/318892/why-dont-macs-have-intel-inside-stickers/ |website=How-To Geek |access-date=23 June 2020 |date=24 July 2017 |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127001940/https://www.howtogeek.com/318892/why-dont-macs-have-intel-inside-stickers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "Intel Inside" stickers have never been included on any Apple product.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2007/08/apple-fan-frenz/ | magazine=Wired | first=Charlie | last=Sorrel | title=Apple Fan Frenzy: Stickergate | date=August 13, 2007 | access-date=March 5, 2017 | archive-date=March 3, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303092956/http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2007/08/apple-fan-frenz/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

===Osborne effect===
There was concern that an early announcement of the change would cause an [[Osborne effect]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Andrew |first1=Orlowski |title=The Osborne Effect spooks Apple |url=https://www.theregister.com/2005/06/08/apple_osborne_effect/ |access-date=23 June 2020 |work=[[The Register]] |date=8 June 2005 |archive-date=November 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124174343/https://www.theregister.com/2005/06/08/apple_osborne_effect/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Cooper |first1=Charles |title=Apple and the "Osborne Effect" |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-and-the-osborne-effect/ |access-date=23 June 2020 |work=[[CNet]] |date=14 July 2005 |archive-date=June 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625113437/https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-and-the-osborne-effect/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but it would merely mean only a delay of purchases of Mac computers by retail and institutional customers, not permanent cancellations, and that Apple had enough cash on hand to weather a possible decline in computer sales.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pogue |first1=David |title=Considering the Macintel Alliance |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/16/technology/circuits/considering-the-macintel-alliance.html |access-date=4 August 2020 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=16 June 2005 |archive-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915140122/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/16/technology/circuits/considering-the-macintel-alliance.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Analysis of financial data suggests that the Osborne Effect did not materialize, with sales for Macs growing by 19% and 37% in the two quarters following March 2006.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gassée |first1=Jean-Louis |title=Osborning The Mac. Or Not. |url=https://mondaynote.com/osborning-the-mac-or-not-f0bbf4c319f0 |website=Monday Note |access-date=23 June 2020 |date=14 June 2020 |archive-date=June 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614220541/https://mondaynote.com/osborning-the-mac-or-not-f0bbf4c319f0 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Product compatibility===
The [[Classic environment]], the [[Mac OS 9]] virtualization measure for Mac OS X, was not ported to the x86 architecture,<ref>{{cite web |title=Why doesn't Apple support MacOS 9/Classic on Intel-based Macs? |url=https://everymac.com/mac-answers/mac-os-9-classic-support-faq/why-did-apple-abandon-macos-9-classic.html |website=EveryMac.com |access-date=23 June 2020 |date=12 July 2006 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403193212/https://everymac.com/mac-answers/mac-os-9-classic-support-faq/why-did-apple-abandon-macos-9-classic.html |url-status=live }}</ref> leaving the new Intel-powered Macs incompatible with [[classic Mac OS]] applications without a proper third-party PowerPC emulator.

There were also concerns over third-party software support, with reaction to the change being mixed amongst the software developer community, due to a need to recompile software for compatibility on Intel-based Macs.<ref name="SanJoseMercuryNews1"/> In early 2006, it was reported that a number of software companies, such as [[Adobe Inc.|Adobe]], [[Aspyr]] and [[Microsoft]], were not ready to release [[universal binary]] versions of their software offerings.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shimpi |first1=Shimpi |title=Apple Makes the Switch: iMac G5 vs. iMac Core Duo |url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/1936 |access-date=24 June 2020 |work=AnandTech |date=30 January 2006 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726071220/https://www.anandtech.com/show/1936 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Technical issues===
In the years prior to Apple's announcement of the transition, it was noted that there was a debate over the difference of [[endianness]] between Intel and non-Intel processors, as well as the merits of each CPU architecture.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Verts |first1=William T. |title=An Essay on Endian Order |url=https://people.cs.umass.edu/~verts/cs32/endian.html |access-date=30 June 2020 |date=19 April 1996 |archive-date=December 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207165011/https://people.cs.umass.edu/~verts/cs32/endian.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The difference in endianness meant that some software could not simply be recompiled; it required changes to make it work on processors of either endianness.<ref>{{cite web |title=When Apple made the switch from PowerPC to Intel x86, what did that entail for their programmers? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AskComputerScience/comments/1tg6dw/when_apple_made_the_switch_from_powerpc_to_intel/ |website=[[Reddit]] |access-date=30 June 2020 |date=2013 |quote=...Note also that PPC is big-endian and Intel is little-endian, so in practice a lot of software couldn't just be recompiled; any place where the byte order was assumed had to be fixed... |archive-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915140206/https://www.reddit.com/r/AskComputerScience/comments/1tg6dw/when_apple_made_the_switch_from_powerpc_to_intel/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=This statement is indisputably true and correct but the reference is a comment on Reddit. Surely a better source can be found.|date=January 2022}}

==Transition process==
[[File:Steve Jobs Presentation 2.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Steve Jobs reveals Mac OS X running on [[Pentium 4]] hardware.]]

===2005===
During Apple's 2005 [[WWDC]], the company introduced a [[Developer Transition Kit#Developer Transition Kit (Intel)|Developer Transition Kit]] consisting of a prototype Intel-based Mac computer, along with preliminary versions of [[Mac OS X Tiger]] and [[Xcode#2.x series|Xcode]], which allowed developers to prepare future versions of their software to run on both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs.<ref name="apple-pr-2005"/>

To allow apps built for PowerPC-based Macs to run on Intel-based Macs without recompilation, a [[dynamic binary translation]] software called [[Rosetta (software)|Rosetta]] was created.<ref name="CNET4">{{cite news |last1=Shankland |first1=Stephen |title=The brains behind Apple's Rosetta: Transitive |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/the-brains-behind-apples-rosetta-transitive/ |access-date=24 June 2020 |work=[[CNet]] |date=8 June 2005 |archive-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301203848/http://www.cnet.com/news/the-brains-behind-apples-rosetta-transitive/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2006===
On January 10, Apple unveiled an [[iMac (Intel-based)|Intel-based iMac]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Apple debuts Intel-powered Macs |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4600442.stm |access-date=25 June 2020 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=10 January 2006 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126054011/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4600442.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as a 15-inch [[MacBook Pro]] laptop, which replaced the similarly sized [[PowerBook]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Apple Introduces MacBook Pro |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/01/10Apple-Introduces-MacBook-Pro/ |website=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=25 June 2020 |date=10 January 2006 |quote=MacBook Pro is up to four times faster than the product it replaces, the PowerBook G4, running industry standard benchmarks. |archive-date=January 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108140023/http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2006/jan/10macbookpro.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On February 28, a [[Mac mini]] featuring an [[Intel Core|Intel Core Duo]] processor was unveiled.<ref>{{cite web |title=Apple Unveils Mac mini with Intel Core Duo |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/02/28Apple-Unveils-Mac-mini-with-Intel-Core-Duo/ |website=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=25 June 2020 |date=28 February 2006 |archive-date=October 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003041138/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/02/28Apple-Unveils-Mac-mini-with-Intel-Core-Duo/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 5, the dual-boot software [[Boot Camp (software)|Boot Camp]] was released as a trial version, which allowed Intel-based Mac owners to run Mac OS X and [[Microsoft Windows]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Apple makes Macs run Windows XP |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4880022.stm |access-date=25 June 2020 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=5 April 2006 |archive-date=January 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113183146/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4880022.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 24, a MacBook Pro replacement for the 17-inch PowerBook was announced.<ref>{{cite web |title=Apple Introduces 17-inch MacBook Pro |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/04/24Apple-Introduces-17-inch-MacBook-Pro/ |website=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=25 June 2020 |date=24 April 2006 |archive-date=March 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328153158/http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2006/apr/24macbookpro.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On May 16, a replacement for the [[iBook]], called [[MacBook]], was announced, thus completing the transition of Apple's laptop line to Intel processors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Apple Unveils New MacBook Featuring Intel Core Duo Processors |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/05/16Apple-Unveils-New-MacBook-Featuring-Intel-Core-Duo-Processors/ |website=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=25 June 2020 |date=16 May 2006 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403090703/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/05/16Apple-Unveils-New-MacBook-Featuring-Intel-Core-Duo-Processors/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On July 5, a replacement for the [[eMac]], a special configuration of a 17-inch iMac for use in education, was announced.<ref>{{cite web |title=Apple Introduces $899 Education Configuration for 17-inch iMac |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/07/05Apple-Introduces-899-Education-Configuration-for-17-inch-iMac/ |website=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=25 June 2020 |date=5 July 2006 |archive-date=January 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113010341/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/07/05Apple-Introduces-899-Education-Configuration-for-17-inch-iMac/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On August 7, Apple unveiled a replacement for the PowerMac, [[Mac Pro]],<ref name="MacTransitionComplete">{{cite web |title=Apple Unveils New Mac Pro Featuring Quad 64-bit Xeon Processors |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/08/07Apple-Unveils-New-Mac-Pro-Featuring-Quad-64-bit-Xeon-Processors/ |website=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=25 June 2020 |date=7 August 2006 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115200242/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/08/07Apple-Unveils-New-Mac-Pro-Featuring-Quad-64-bit-Xeon-Processors/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and an Intel-based version of [[Xserve]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web |title=Apple Introduces Xserve with Quad 64-bit Xeon Processors |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/08/07Apple-Introduces-Xserve-with-Quad-64-bit-Xeon-Processors/ |website=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=25 June 2020 |date=7 August 2006 |archive-date=December 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207034347/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2006/08/07Apple-Introduces-Xserve-with-Quad-64-bit-Xeon-Processors/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The unveiling of the Mac Pro was touted by Apple as a completion of its transition to Intel, and said the entire process took 210 days.<ref name="MacTransitionComplete"/>

===Ongoing support for PowerPC following transition===
[[Mac OS X Snow Leopard|Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6)]], released in August 2009, was the first version of Mac OS X (later [[macOS]]) to require a Mac with an Intel processor, ending operating system support for PowerPC Macs three years after the transition was complete.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard Installation and Setup Guide |url=https://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/1000/MA1172/en_US/Snow_Leopard_Installation_Instructions.pdf |website=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=25 June 2020 |date=2009 |quote=To upgrade to Snow Leopard or install Snow Leopard for the first time, you must have a Mac with: An Intel processor |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127111822/https://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/1000/MA1172/en_US/Snow_Leopard_Installation_Instructions.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Apple to Ship Mac OS X Snow Leopard on August 28 |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2009/08/24Apple-to-Ship-Mac-OS-X-Snow-Leopard-on-August-28/ |website=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=25 June 2020 |date=24 August 2009 |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209130359/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2009/08/24Apple-to-Ship-Mac-OS-X-Snow-Leopard-on-August-28/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Support for Rosetta was removed from Mac OS X with the release of [[Mac OS X Lion|10.7 Lion]], which was released in July 2011, five years after the transition was complete.<ref>{{cite news |title=Inside Mac OS X 10.7 Lion: Missing Front Row, Rosetta and Java runtime |url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/11/02/26/mac_os_x_lion_drops_front_row_java_runtime_rosetta.html |access-date=25 June 2020 |work=[[AppleInsider]] |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127150940/https://appleinsider.com/articles/11/02/26/mac_os_x_lion_drops_front_row_java_runtime_rosetta.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mac OS X Lion Available Today From the Mac App Store |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2011/07/20Mac-OS-X-Lion-Available-Today-From-the-Mac-App-Store/ |website=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=23 June 2020 |date=20 July 2011 |archive-date=July 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710135400/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2011/07/20Mac-OS-X-Lion-Available-Today-From-the-Mac-App-Store/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The last Apple application to support PowerPC processors was iTunes 10.6.3, which was released on June 11, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=iTunes 10.6.3 |url=https://support.apple.com/kb/dl1575?locale=en_US |website=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=25 June 2020 |date=11 June 2012 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125061255/https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1575?locale=en_US |url-status=live }}</ref>

Apple has a policy of placing products that have not been sold for more than five years, but less than seven years, as "vintage", meaning hardware services from Apple Stores and service providers are subject to availability of inventory, or as required by law. After a product has not been sold for more than seven years, it is considered "obsolete", meaning it is not eligible for hardware support.<ref name="AppleVintageObsolete">{{cite web |title=Vintage and obsolete products |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624 |website=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=25 June 2020 |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116063147/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624 |url-status=live }}</ref> All PowerPC-based Macs were obsolete by 2013.

In spite of the PowerPC machines being considered obsolete, use of the systems remains popular in [[retrocomputing]]; multiple community projects exist that aim to allow PowerPC Macs to carry out modern tasks, such as the [[Classilla]] and [[TenFourFox]] web browsers.

==Legacy==
A [[Mashable]] article in 2016 noted that the decision to switch to Intel processors gave many people who wanted a Mac, but couldn't commit to giving up Windows, a way to have both via Boot Camp and a number of virtualization programs,<ref name="Mashable1">{{cite news |last1=Warren |first1=Christina |title=10 years on, Apple's risky move to Intel Macs is one of its biggest successes |url=https://mashable.com/2016/06/29/intel-macs-at-10/ |access-date=25 June 2020 |work=[[Mashable]] |date=29 June 2016 |archive-date=November 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124123250/https://mashable.com/2016/06/29/intel-macs-at-10/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and that Mac, as a computer platform, had a renaissance following the transition, with more apps being developed.<ref name="Mashable1"/> The article also said following the transition to Intel, Mac, while still outsold by Windows and other computer systems, has had a remarkable comeback, and also noted that Mac users tend to be loyal to the Apple ecosystem, which leads to purchases of other Apple products such as [[iPad]], [[iPhone]] and [[Apple Watch]].<ref name="Mashable1"/>

On June 22, 2020, Apple announced plans to [[Mac transition to Apple silicon|transition the Macintosh to ARM processors]] over a two-year period, following a roadmap similar to the Intel transition, including [[Universal 2 binary|universal binaries]] and a [[Rosetta 2]] compatibility program. Apple had been using ARM processors in the [[iPhone]] since 2007, and had been using them in the [[iPad]], [[iPod Touch]], [[Apple TV]], and [[Apple Watch]] as well, and had been designing its own ARM processors since the [[Apple A6]] in 2012.

==Timeline==
*June 6, 2005: Apple announced its plans to switch to Intel processors at the [[WWDC|Worldwide Developer Conference]] and released a Developer Transition System, a PC running an Intel build of Mac OS X 10.4.1 in a modified [[Power Mac G5]] case, to all Select and Premier members of the Apple Developer Connection at a price of $999.<ref name="apple-pr-2005"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://vintagemacmuseum.com/the-apple-developer-transition-system-a-trojan-horse-powermac/|title=The Apple Developer Transition System – a Trojan Horse PowerMac|website=The Vintage Mac Museum|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107111936/http://vintagemacmuseum.com/the-apple-developer-transition-system-a-trojan-horse-powermac/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* January 10, 2006: Jobs announced the first two computers in this series, the 15" [[MacBook Pro]], the first laptop to support [[SATA]], and [[iMac|iMac Core Duo]] line, both using an [[Intel Core|Intel Core Duo]] chip and offered to trade in the Developer Transition Kits for iMacs.
* February 28, 2006: Jobs announced that the [[Mac mini]] now also comes with [[SATA]] connection and an [[Intel Core]] chip, in either the Solo or Duo varieties.
* April 5, 2006: Apple announced the release of '''[[Boot Camp (software)|Boot Camp]]''', which allowed users of Intel-based Macs to run [[Windows XP]]<ref>{{cite web|website=[[BBC News]]|date=April 5, 2006|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4880022.stm|title=Apple makes Macs run Windows XP|access-date=April 5, 2006|archive-date=April 9, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060409112301/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4880022.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> (later versions of Boot Camp allow later versions of Windows).
* April 24, 2006: Apple announced the 17" MacBook Pro, replacing the 17" [[PowerBook]].
* April 27, 2006: Intel announced that processors with the [[Core (microarchitecture)|Core microarchitecture]] would be released months sooner than previously thought.
* May 16, 2006: Apple announced the 13" [[MacBook]] with [[SATA]] support, replacing both the [[iBook]] line and the 12" PowerBook.
* June 26, 2006: Intel announced the [[Xeon#Dual-Core Xeon|Xeon 5100 series]] server/workstation CPU.<ref>{{cite web|website=[[MacWorld]]|date=June 26, 2006|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1051533/woodcrest.html|title=Intel rolls out 'Woodcrest' chip|first=Shelley|last=Solheim|access-date=November 20, 2019|archive-date=June 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628202944/https://www.macworld.com/article/1051533/woodcrest.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* July 5, 2006: Apple announced a special educational configuration of the [[iMac]], replacing the old [[PowerPC G4|G4]] [[eMac]].
* August 7, 2006: "Transition Complete" - Apple announced the Intel-based [[Mac Pro]] and [[Xserve]], replacing the [[Power Mac G5]] and Xserve G5, at the [[Worldwide Developers Conference]]; both use the Xeon 5100 series ("[[Woodcrest (microprocessor)|Woodcrest]]") processors.<ref name="MacTransitionComplete" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />
* October 26, 2007: Apple shipped [[Mac OS X Leopard|Mac OS X 10.5]] "Leopard", the final release with PowerPC support. Macs using a [[PowerPC 7xx|G3]] processor cannot boot this operating system as the backwards compatibility with them have been removed, only [[PowerPC G4|G4]] and [[PowerPC 970|G5]] processors with a minimum 867&nbsp;MHz clock speed are supported. Although it runs on PowerPC machines, it omits the [[Classic environment]], ending Apple's support of software for the [[classic Mac OS]].
* August 28, 2009: Apple shipped Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" exclusively for Intel Macs. PowerPC Macs cannot boot this OS as the backwards compatibility with them have been removed. This is also the final release with Rosetta, allowing PowerPC software to run on an Intel Mac.
* March 1, 2011: The beta version of the then-upcoming [[Mac OS X Lion]] removed "Rosetta" and lost the ability to run PowerPC based software.<ref>{{cite web|website=[[MacWorld]]|date=March 1, 2011|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/669343/no-java-rosetta-or-front-row-in-lion.html|title=No Java, Rosetta, or Front Row in Lion|first=Ashleigh|last=Macro|access-date=August 22, 2022|archive-date=August 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822062008/https://www.macworld.com/article/669343/no-java-rosetta-or-front-row-in-lion.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* June 23, 2011: Support for Mac OS 10.5 Leopard came to a end, formally ending Apple's support of PowerPC hardware on Mac OS X.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9244852/Apple_signals_end_to_OS_X_Snow_Leopard_support|title=Apple signals end to OS X Snow Leopard support|quote=Apple provided the final update to Leopard in June 2011|first=Gregg |last=Keizer|date=December 17, 2013|website=[[Computerworld]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407021432/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9244852/Apple_signals_end_to_OS_X_Snow_Leopard_support|archive-date=April 7, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9246609/Apple_retires_Snow_Leopard_from_support_leaves_1_in_5_Macs_vulnerable_to_attacks |title=Apple retires Snow Leopard from support, leaves 1 in 5 Macs vulnerable to attacks |first=Gregg |last=Keizer |date= February 26, 2014 |website=[[Computerworld]] |access-date=2014-05-09 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528150522/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9246609/Apple_retires_Snow_Leopard_from_support_leaves_1_in_5_Macs_vulnerable_to_attacks |archive-date=May 28, 2014 |df=mdy-all }} See the graph picture on the web</ref>
* July 20, 2011: The release of Mac OS X 10.7 Lion formally ended Apple's development of PowerPC-based software.
* August 7, 2011: PowerPC hardware reached "vintage" status having been discontinued five years prior, ending most of Apple's service and parts support for PowerPC hardware.
* June 11, 2012: Apple released iTunes 10.6.3, their last application with support for PowerPC processors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/kb/dl1575?locale=en_US|title=iTunes 10.6.3|website=support.apple.com|access-date=November 20, 2019|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125061255/https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1575?locale=en_US|url-status=live}}</ref>
* August 7, 2013: PowerPC hardware reached "obsolete" status having been discontinued seven years prior, ending all of Apple's service and parts support for PowerPC hardware.
* February 25, 2014: Support for Mac OS 10.6 Snow Leopard was dropped, formally ending Apple's support of PowerPC-based software.

==See also==
* [[Hackintosh]]
* [[Star Trek project]]
* [[Universal binary]]
* [[Mac transition to Apple silicon]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090301215628/http://developer.apple.com:80/documentation/MacOSX/Conceptual/universal_binary/ Apple Universal Binary Programming Guidelines]
* [https://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1909736,00.asp Can Developers Give Mactel an Enterprise Boost?]
* [https://www.apple.com/macosx/compatibility/ Boot Camp, Apple's solution to running Windows operating systems via a dual-boot method]
{{Intel}}

[[Category:Macintosh platform]]
[[Category:Intel]]