Apple’s Move to Intel Threatens Open Core

Not a few people raised an eyebrow last year when Apple made the fatal announcement that its next generation machines would be using the chip made by their former enemy, Intel.  Now, out of fear that users might pirate the OS X for use on less expensive PC clones, Apple has made its formerly open-source Darwin core proprietary. Mac developers and power users trying to make modifications of source code can no longer do anything with the OS X’s source kernel.

It has been noted that the Mach/Unix cores used by Tiger client and Tiger Server are still open for the older Power PC chip – meaning that users of the G3, G4 or G5 can still hack their own Darwin kernel and use it to boot OS X. While Apple continues to make OS X source code for commands and utilities, those wishing to build a customized OS X kernel for an Intel-based Mac are out of luck. Essentially, all users must now accept a “fixed level of performance,” making it impossible for those in computationally-demanding fields like biosciences and meteorology to cut the fat out of the source code and increase efficiency.

Apple engages in ongoing battles with software pirates, especially in areas of the world without strong intellectual property regulations. Still, there should be ways to address these issues without retreating into proprietary status.

Not a few people raised an eyebrow last year when Apple made the fatal announcement that its next generation machines would be using the chip made by their former enemy, Intel.  Now, out of fear that users might pirate the OS X for use on less expensive PC clones, Apple has made its formerly open-source Darwin core proprietary. Mac developers and power users trying to make modifications of source code can no longer do anything with the OS X’s source kernel.

It has been noted that the Mach/Unix cores used by Tiger client and Tiger Server are still open for the older Power PC chip – meaning that users of the G3, G4 or G5 can still hack their own Darwin kernel and use it to boot OS X. While Apple continues to make OS X source code for commands and utilities, those wishing to build a customized OS X kernel for an Intel-based Mac are out of luck. Essentially, all users must now accept a “fixed level of performance,” making it impossible for those in computationally-demanding fields like biosciences and meteorology to cut the fat out of the source code and increase efficiency.

Apple engages in ongoing battles with software pirates, especially in areas of the world without strong intellectual property regulations. Still, there should be ways to address these issues without retreating into proprietary status.