Apple confirms switch to Intel

Apple mini

Steve Jobs has confirmed that Apple will be switching from IBM’s PowerPC chips to those from Intel. The transition is expected to begin in mid-2006 with lower-end computers such as the Mac mini and works its way up to higher-end systems by mid-2007.

At least part of the reason for this transition is IBM’s lack of a roadmap outlining’s the PowerPC’s future, according to Steve Jobs. On the other hand, Intel offers increased performance as well as reduced power consumption.

Also announced was that the next version of OS X will be called Leopard and should be available around the same time as Longhorn.