The End Of Intel

Everything comes to an end and so does the x86 architecture, probably taking down Intel with it.

Arm has always been an alternative but coming from the low end, had never been considered a real threat to Intel-based desktops. Until Apple unveiled the first Mac based on the M1 processor in 2020. That was a shocker, as the Apple silicon - based machines could outpace the Intel - based ones, run the emulated x86 code, and particularly shine in performance-per-Watt. 

Energy efficiency today rules everything. From buildings to transportation to computing. But we were reluctant to embrace energy efficient designs when it meant performance penalty. With the rise of Apple silicon, that penalty was no longer there.

So essentially Windows remained the only market for Intel's x86 chips. Microsoft tried exploring alternative architectures, but the Windows RT launched in 2012 never gained much popularity - it was slow (due to slow processors) and had very limited compatibility (the x86 emulation was even slower).

This has just changed with Qualcomm releasing the Snapdragon X Elite - a workstation class family of Arm - based chips which can rival the Apple Mx series (or even outpace them). Microsoft has not been sitting idle either - the Windows Dev Kit 2023 has been clearly targeting the acceleration of Arm developments. Microsoft evidently sees the Arm architecture being the future.

The Qualcomm developments really leave no room for Intel. With the abundance of very efficient x86 emulation techniques, the value of the native x86 architecture Intel is holding on to, may evaporate in a second. We may experience the once potent king falling off his throne soon.