Intel recently has confirmed to Tom’s Hardware that it has ceased its plans of developing the “successor” of the x86 instruction set, dubbed x86S. This originally was to be a debloated, 64-bit only version of the x86 instruction set, though the formation of x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group may have changed the decision.
x86S Project No Longer
A bit of backstory: in May 2023, Intel published the draft specification of x86S instruction set with the intention to remove some of the legacy and obsolete features that harkens back to the very first x86-based processor, the 46-year-old Intel 8086 launched in 1978. The draft was last updated to version 1.2 this June, the latest before the chipmaker announced the cancellation of the project.
Here’s Intel’s official statement (given to Tom’s Hardware) regarding the matter:
We remain deeply committed to the x86 architecture, as demonstrated by the creation of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group in collaboration with AMD and other industry leaders. This initiative reinforces our dedication to securing a strong future for x86, building on decades of software compatibility. While we have pivoted away from the x86S initiative, our focus remains on driving innovation and collaboration within the x86 ecosystem.
While Intel is commonly credited as the creator of the x86 instruction set, it’s worth noting that the modern iteration of the x86, called x86-64, is developed by AMD – which is the only other major chipmaker of this advisory group. Hence, with this collaborative effort, it’s more feasible for Team Blue to work more closely with Team Red to improve the workability of the x86 ISA to give it the best possible chance at competing against their primary rival, Arm (of which Qualcomm’s Snapdragon lineup is leading the charge).
Still, that doesn’t mean whatever Intel has worked on the x86S is dead in the water right away. Some of the proposed improvements may end up integrated into both chipmakers’ designs while ensuring compatibility towards each other or legacy systems – though we’ll have to see if this ever plays out in the long-term.
Pokdepinion: While x86S is dead – hopefully the collaboration can still result in some form of improvement to the x86 architecture overall.
