AMD, Intel, and several tech companies join forces to tackle ARM chips.

The growing challenge posed by ARM has led to an unusual collaboration between two historic competitors: Intel and AMD. These two companies, known for their rivalry, have formed a new x86 Advisory Group aimed at safeguarding the interests of the x86 platform against the rise of ARM, which now seems poised to challenge the dominance of x86.

The coalition, which includes prominent names such as Microsoft, Google, and Meta, also features the participation of Lenovo, which hosted this announcement at its Tech World 2024 conference in Bellevue, Washington. During the presentation, the CEOs of AMD and Intel, Lisa Su and Pat Gelsinger, emphasized that the x86 architecture remains “healthy and strong.”

According to a press release, the purpose of the group is to “improve compatibility, predictability, and consistency in x86 product offerings.” Additionally, the alliance plans to seek input from hardware and software developers focused on x86 and aims to create “simplified architectural guidelines” to standardize interfaces across AMD and Intel product lines.

While this initiative has a legitimate goal, it can also be interpreted as an attempt by these companies to reassure developers, customers, and investors about their commitment to countering the rise of ARM. Adoption of ARM-based chips has been increasing, especially following Apple’s complete transition to its own ARM silicon last year. Furthermore, Qualcomm, after several unsuccessful attempts, has finally managed to produce a competitive ARM chip for Windows machines. This landscape has generated palpable concern at AMD and Intel, who seem anxious about Qualcomm's advancements.