Apple's Intel Mac Journey: From Project Marklar to Silicon

The Intel Mac era is drawing to a close as macOS 26 is released, with only a few Intel models remaining eligible for security updates until fall 2028. This marks the definitive end of an era that began with 'Project Marklar,' an engineer's side endeavor in June 2000. Apple's decision to move from PowerPC to Intel processors was driven by performance limitations and thermal challenges with the PowerPC chips.

The transition, publicly demonstrated in June 2005, allowed Apple to leverage Intel's rapidly advancing technology. This partnership yielded innovative products like the slim MacBook Air, made possible by specially designed Intel CPUs. For years, Intel's 'Tick-Tock' model fueled Mac innovation, with significant updates like Retina displays and aluminum designs.