All modern processors work on a 64-bit architecture, but still have support for 32-bit and 16-bit versions. The Intel x86S architecture, which the company introduced in White paper aims simplify the entire ecosystem of hardware and software removing all legacy components and running exclusively in 64-bit mode.

64-bit architectures completely dominate global consumer computing. Although they were already used in servers and data centers, at the beginning of this century they began to make their way into personal computers in general, to overcome the limitations of 32-bit processors, which, for example, are only capable of serving up to 4 GB of RAM.

In operating systems, Microsoft has removed the 32-bit version from Windows 11 and there will be no turning back. Future systems such as Windows 12 will be 64-bit only and will require 64-bit drivers. However, they still maintain software backwards compatibility and support 32-bit applications with special compatibility modes to support legacy software in their extensive ecosystem.

Intel x86S: 64-bit only

Something similar happens in the CPU. Intel firmware no longer natively supports non-UEFI 64 operating systems, and all current Intel or AMD processors run 64-bit. As in software, and to maintain compatibility, they also support 32 bits.

Intel thinks it’s time to end it. Some legacy modes have very little use in modern operating systems, other than running the CPU in 64-bit mode. And that’s why it’s worth asking yourself: “Could these rarely used items be removed to simplify the 64-bit only architecture?”

It’s the idea behind this new Intel x86S architecture. The company published a A document detailing the architectural tweaks and improvements Intel is currently exploring to achieve this architecture. Edition dThe paper aims to solicit industry feedback while exploring the benefits of expanding the transition from ISA to a 64-bit-only solution.

According to the company, this type of architecture would reduce overall software and hardware complexity and would allow further changes to implement modern software. To continue to support legacy systems, Intel suggests using virtualization, which allows you to emulate the functions needed to run legacy operating systems without touching the main host system.

And not only on computers. This strategy also extends to mobility, and Google has already prepared a transition plan that paves the way for 64-bit versions of Android and requires developers to submit apps to Google Play. The store includes 64-bit compilations from mid-2019. There is even evidence that will be required by the device manufacturer shipping the 64-bit app so they can continue to use their mobile services. This requirement will probably come with the future Android 15.

The final transition to 64-bit modes is underway, completely discarding the previous legacy components, hence the interest in this Intel x86S. If you are interested, you can download the technical document of the project in PDF.