Ina Fried, Chief Technology Correspondent at Axios, sat down with Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger to discuss various topics including Apple's transition from its custom-designed silicon chips throughout its Mac lineup.
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Gelsinger answered a question about Intel's plans to have the Mac run on Intel processors. He said that he would like to win this segment back over time and outcompete the company in chipmaking.
Gelsinger admitted Intel's "stumbles" in the interview and stated that the company would "fight hard" for Apple's business through better chips.
Fried: Apple recently stated that they are moving away from Intel chips for the Mac to homegrown processors. Is it possible to see the Mac running on Intel chips now? Gelsinger, I have never given up on the idea that anything could run on Intel chips. You know what? Despite our failures, Apple decided that they could make a better chip than we could. They did a great job. What I need to do is make a better chip than what they can. Over time, I hope to win back their business as well as other parts of the business. In the meantime, I made sure my products were better than theirs and that my ecosystem was more open and vibrant. We create more compelling reasons for developers to choose Intel-based products. This is why I am determined to win Tim's business.
Apple announced in June 2020 that it would transition the Mac from Intel processors and to its own silicon chips. This promised an industry-leading performance per Watt and better graphics. Apple announced that the transition to Apple silicon would begin with the M1 chip in its MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro and Mac mini in November 2020. Apple stated that the transition would take approximately two years.
Intel still has much to learn if it wants to be the best Apple silicon. Benchmarks showed that the MacBook Air with an Intel M1 chip, starting at $999, outperforms a fully-loaded Intel-based 16 inch MacBook Pro, which starts at $2,999.
Intel has been running ads promoting Windows computers over Macs for some time, even recruiting Justin Long, an actor from "I'm a Mac".
Apple's virtual "Unleashed", tomorrow's event, will continue the transition to Apple silicon. The company is widely expected to reveal redesigned MacBook Pro models 14-inch and 16 inch with faster versions of the M1 chips. According to rumours, the notebooks will have brighter mini-LED screens, an HDMI port, SD card slot and magnetic power cable. The Touch Bar is likely to be replaced by physical Fn keys.
Intel supplies processors for other Macs, such as the 27-inch iMac or the Mac Pro. However, these models will likely adopt Apple silicon by next Year.
