Apple pulls the ultimate switch with Intel embrace

Apple has bought into its own ad campaign and become a switcher. As expected, the Mac maker announced today that it will next year start phasing Intel processors into its computer line.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs previewed a version of the OS X operating system humming away on an Intel-based Mac during the company's Worldwide Developer Conference held today in San Francisco. He revealed that a version of the OS tuned for Intel's chips has been in development for years and will start appearing on machines in 2006. By the end of 2007, all of Apple's systems will have hearts from Chipzilla.

"Our goal is to provide our customers with the best personal computers in the world, and looking ahead Intel has the strongest processor roadmap by far," Jobs said. "It's been ten years since our transition to the PowerPC, and we think Intel's technology will help us create the best personal computers for the next ten years."

We already covered this contentious move here and here. CNET was the first to confirm the shift.

Gasps of concern went out at the developer conference when Jobs first mentioned the switch, as many Apple fans have long relished their non-Wintel status. The developers will be charged with doing most of the work to shed Apple software from the PowerPC architecture. More to follow. ®