CNet: Apple to Ditch IBM, Switch to Intel Chips

They’re reporting it as a done deal, to be announced Monday at WWDC. Assuming this is true, it’s HOLY SHIT news. I’m still skeptical — the article doesn’t offer a decent explanation for why Apple would do this.

Apple Computer plans to announce Monday that it’s scrapping its partnership with IBM and switching its computers to Intel’s microprocessors, CNET News.com has learned.

Apple has used IBM’s PowerPC processors since 1994, but will begin a phased transition to Intel’s chips, sources familiar with the situation said. Apple plans to move lower-end computers such as the Mac Mini to Intel chips in mid-2006 and higher-end models such as the Power Mac in mid-2007, sources said.

No word on who the sources are, and no explanation why higher-end models wouldn’t switch until 2007.

★ Friday, 3 June 2005