While traditionally fierce rivals, Intel and AMD are coming together to ensure better software compatibility across their x86 processors, a key feature that Arm has been capitalizing on. The two companies will collaborate with a broad spectrum of tech partners, including Lenovo, Dell, Google, HP, Microsoft, and Meta. The goal is to create a "more unified set of instructions and architectural interfaces" that will make it easier for developers to write software that works seamlessly across different x86-based platforms.
The formation of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group is a direct response to the growing momentum of Arm-based chips, which have been increasingly adopted in the PC and server sectors. Arm’s success can be attributed to its unique approach: all chipmakers using Arm designs are required to support software compatibility across devices. This has helped Arm-based chips like Apple's M-series and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-series gain significant market share in recent years.Why the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group Matters
According to Grand View Research, the market size for Arm-based servers was valued at approximately $5.84 billion in 2023, with a projected annual growth rate of 14.3% from 2024 to 2030. Arm chips have made significant inroads into sectors traditionally dominated by x86 processors, such as data centers and cloud computing, by offering energy efficiency and cost advantages.
In response, the x86 advisory group seeks to replicate Arm’s strength in software compatibility. By fostering collaboration between hardware manufacturers, software developers, and the broader x86 community, Intel and AMD hope to create a more cohesive ecosystem that allows developers to build software more easily for x86-based systems across various applications, including PCs, data centers, cloud, edge, and embedded devices.
In addition to Intel and AMD, several other tech giants and industry leaders are founding members of the advisory group. Companies such as Dell, Lenovo, Google, Microsoft, HP, Broadcom, Oracle, Red Hat, and HP Enterprise have joined the initiative. Notably, influential figures such as Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux kernel, and Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, are also part of the advisory group, underscoring the importance of this initiative to both the hardware and software communities.Key Partners and Industry Leaders on Board
"Establishing the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group will ensure that the x86 architecture continues evolving as the compute platform of choice for both developers and customers," said Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of AMD, during the announcement.
The x86 architecture, first introduced by Intel in the late 1970s, has remained a dominant force in computing, powering the vast majority of PCs and servers. However, the recent rise of Arm chips—particularly in consumer electronics and cloud infrastructure—has challenged x86's market dominance. With the increasing availability of Arm-powered devices, such as Apple's M1 and M2 Macs and Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips, x86 has seen its market share erode, especially as Arm-based laptops and desktops become more affordable.The Road Ahead for x86
For Intel and AMD, the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group represents an opportunity to preserve the architecture's legacy while adapting it for the future. By addressing the compatibility concerns that have historically made it difficult for developers to create software that works consistently across different x86 processors, the advisory group aims to create a more streamlined development experience, potentially accelerating the adoption of new features and technologies.
If successful, this collaboration could help Intel and AMD maintain x86 as the compute platform of choice across multiple sectors, from traditional PCs to the cloud, client computing, edge computing, and even embedded systems. In an increasingly competitive landscape, ensuring seamless software compatibility across devices is key to maintaining x86’s long-standing dominance.
The formation of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the semiconductor industry. By coming together to strengthen the x86 ecosystem, Intel and AMD are aiming to fend off growing competition from Arm and ensure the long-term viability of the x86 architecture. With the backing of major industry players and key figures from the software development community, the advisory group is poised to help shape the next phase of x86 computing. Whether this initiative will be enough to counter Arm’s growing influence remains to be seen, but it is a bold step toward preserving x86's relevance in the rapidly evolving world of computing.Conclusion
