Towards the end of last year, Apple debuted the M1 chip—its first in-house chip to power the upcoming, and current range of Macs. There are a bunch of benefits, including battery life and more, but a significant consequence of this is a future where we probably won’t see too many Intel-powered Macs any longer.
Intel, for their part, don’t appear to be taking the news very well, with a series of videos and ads taking aim at the perceived shortcomings of the Mac, including the lack of a 2-in-1 convertible option, and ports, within the Mac family of computers. Here’s an example:
What are Intel’s plans for the future?
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger revealed a couple of details about Intel’s plans for the future in an official statement recently. Notably, he referred to an “Intel Foundry Services” business, along with new chip manufacturing factories being built in the U.S. All of that is being put towards Intel’s aim of becoming a major manufacturer of chips for other companies in the U.S. and Europe.
“Intel announced plans to become a major provider of U.S.– and Europe-based foundry capacity to serve the incredible global demand for semiconductor manufacturing. To deliver this vision, Intel is establishing a new standalone business unit, Intel Foundry Services (IFS), led by semiconductor industry veteran Dr. Randhir Thakur, who will report directly to Gelsinger.
Gelsinger noted that Intel’s foundry plans have already received strong enthusiasm and statements of support from across the industry.”
Gelsinger, however, reportedly said that Intel has plans to discuss a potential partnership with Apple, which would see Intel manufacture and produce Apple silicon chips for future devices. Currently, TSMC produces all of Apple’s chips, but a potential deal with Intel would allow Apple to diversify its supply chain—which would be useful, particularly taking into account supply chain issues globally over the past year or so.
Of course, it is a little strange that Intel is effectively conducting a smear campaign with its new ads against Apple—while forming plans to court them as a future customer. Perhaps it’s simply banter. After all, Apple started it with the “I’m a Mac” adverts, so it’s only fair game for Intel, I suppose. What do you think? Let us know in the comments section down below.
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