Intel has officially terminated its x86S project, which aimed to streamline the x86 architecture by removing legacy 16-bit and 32-bit support in favor of a 64-bit-only design. This decision follows the establishment of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group, a collaborative effort between industry leaders including Intel, AMD, Google, and others, to collectively shape the future of the x86 instruction set architecture (ISA).

The x86S initiative, introduced by Intel in May 2023, sought to simplify the x86 architecture by eliminating outdated modes and features, thereby enhancing performance and security. Despite updates to the draft specification, reaching version 1.2 by June 2024, the project has now been discontinued.

An Intel spokesperson stated to Tomshardware

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.

The formation of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group signifies a shift towards a more unified approach in evolving the x86 ISA. By involving key stakeholders, the group aims to enhance compatibility, predictability, and consistency across x86 products, addressing challenges posed by competing architectures like ARM. This collaborative effort is expected to streamline software development and ensure interoperability across platforms.

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The x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group includes prominent industry players such as Broadcom, Dell Technologies, Lenovo Group, Oracle, Microsoft, Google, and Meta. Their collective expertise is anticipated to drive the x86 architecture forward, ensuring it remains competitive in the evolving technology landscape.

Intel’s decision to terminate the x86S initiative in favor of a collaborative approach underscores the importance of industry-wide cooperation in the development of computing architectures.

As the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group begins its work, the industry will be watching closely to see how this unified effort shapes the future of x86 technology.