When
Apple made the switch to Intel processors back in 2006, many in the
Apple community were worried about what the future would be like for
the the Mac platform. Apple owners didn't need to worry, however, as
the move to Intel processors bought faster
performance across the board and opened up Mac desktops and
notebooks to faster refreshes -- not to mention that Mac computer
sales have boomed since the adoption of Intel chips.
So
all would seem to be well with the Apple-Intel relationship -- well,
maybe not. In news that may come straight of left field for some,
Apple
Insider
is reporting that Apple
is in serious talks with AMD to provide processors for its Mac
notebook and desktop platforms.
According
to Apple
Insider,
“Representatives for the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based AMD have recently
been seen on Apple's Commuter Coach buses, and executives for the
chipmaker have been spotted on their way out of meetings with members
of Apple's top brass.” The Apple-centric website goes on to add,
"The meetings have reportedly included briefings by AMD that
have since enabled Apple to begin working with AMD processors in its
labs as part of an initiative to position the chips inside some of
the company's forthcoming products."
According
to DailyTech's
own
sources, Apple is said to be looking at a number of upcoming AMD
technologies including the Fusion platform which will meld a
microprocessor and GPU functions into a single die. The first 32nm
Fusion processors will feature a Llano
APU
(up to four Phenom II core plus an integrated DX11 graphics core).
These processors will debut in 2011 for mainstream notebook and
desktop platforms.
Where
does this leave Intel as a chip supplier for Apple? If Apple
Insider's report
and our sources are correct, it's quite possible that Intel may
maintain its position as a supplier for high-end chips for Apple's
MacBook Pro and iMac platforms. However, lower-level platforms like
the MacBook, Mac mini, and the Apple TV “hobby” could be prime
targets for AMD processors.
