Intel struck a blow against Apple by pointing out how weak Mac gaming is. The chip-maker held a presentation at Computex 2021, during which it said Windows laptops offer a “better gaming experience than 100% of Mac laptops.”
This will likely damage any remaining relationship the Intel has with Apple. But this was already in tatters as macOS transitions to Apple’s M-series processors and away from Intel ones.
Gaming Mac is an oxymoron
Intel hit Mac in a weak area. The relatively small install base of Apple desktops and laptops causes many game-developers to skip it. That how Intel was about to point out that, “over half of today’s most popular games aren’t supported on macOS” during its presentation.
With Apple’s focus on the transition to the M series, it’s not upgrading its MacBook line to the latest Intel processors. Intel’s response was to show that its 11th-generation Core i5 H-series offers better gaming performance than a 16-inch MacBook Pro with a 9th-generation Core i9.
Photo: Intel
Macs are popular with content creators, so Intel pointed out that many creators are also gamers, and it urged this group to dump their Mac for an Intel-powered Windows computer.
And now for the rest of the story
There are some relevant details that Intel did not bring up in its presentation at Computex 2021. Like how PC gaming has the smallest share of the market. Consoles take in a bit more, but mobile gaming dominates, bringing in 48% of the revenue. Mac gamers have other options than Windows.
Also, Intel didn’t bring up cloud-gaming services that allow Mac and even iPad to play games not otherwise available. For example, it’s hard for Intel to argue that Cyberpunk 2077 isn’t available for Mac when it can be played via Google Stadia or GeForce Now.
Source: Intel
