Apple Intel transition facts for kids

The Apple–Intel transition was a really big change for Macintosh computers. It's when Apple decided to switch the main "brain," called the CPU, inside their computers. They moved from using PowerPC processors to using Intel processors. This important announcement happened in 2005 at a big event called the World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC). Steve Jobs, who was the boss of Apple, told everyone about it.

Apple's Big Change

This change was a huge deal for Apple. For many years, Apple computers used special processors made by companies like IBM and Motorola, called PowerPC. But in 2005, Apple decided to start using processors made by Intel, which were also used in many other computers around the world.

What is a CPU?

A CPU is like the computer's brain. It does all the calculations and runs the programs. Different CPUs work in different ways. For a long time, Apple used PowerPC CPUs. These were powerful, but Apple wanted to make their computers even better and faster.

Why Did Apple Switch?

Apple made this big decision for a few important reasons:

• More Power: Intel processors were becoming very powerful and efficient. This meant they could do more work while using less energy.
• Future Plans: Apple had big plans for its computers, and they felt Intel processors would help them create even more amazing products in the future.
• Software Compatibility: Switching to Intel also made it easier for developers to create software that could run on both Mac computers and other types of computers.

The Big Announcement

The news was shared by Steve Jobs at the WWDC in June 2005. This conference is where Apple shows off its new ideas to computer programmers and developers. Steve Jobs surprised everyone by showing that Apple's computer operating system, Mac OS X, was already running on Intel-powered computers. This showed that the switch was already well underway.

What Happened Next?

After the announcement, Apple started releasing new Mac computers with Intel processors.

• The first Intel Macs, the iMac and MacBook Pro, came out in January 2006.
• By August 2006, all new Mac computers were using Intel processors.
• This change helped Apple make thinner, faster, and more powerful laptops and desktop computers. It also allowed Macs to run software that was originally made for Windows computers, which was a big step.

This transition was a very important moment in Apple's history. It helped Apple grow and create the kinds of computers and devices we see today.

Images for kids

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  A PowerPC 970FX processor, used in some Apple computers.

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  Then-CEO Steve Jobs announces the Intel transition at WWDC 2005.

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  Steve Jobs shows Mac OS X running on Intel hardware.