Apple Officially Allows Windows XP on Intel-Based Macs with Boot Camp

By | April 5th, 2006 comments icon (5) Comments


winxp on apple imacShockingly, and 4 days late to be an April Fool’s joke, Associated Press is reporting that Apple (yes, the actual Apple Computer) has released software that will allow users with a valid Windows XP installation CD to install XP on their Intel-based Mac computer. The new software, dubbed Boot Camp by Apple, will let users install XP on the system while retaining OSX as well. Users will be able to choose which OS to go into.

It’s important to note, though, that Apple has said clearly that they have “…no desire or plan to sell or support Windows, but many customers have expressed their interest to run Windows on Apple’s superior hardware now that we use Intel processors…” Uh, yeah…superior hardware. AHEM. The software can be downloaded from Apple’s website, though it is still considered Beta. A final version will ship with Apple’s next iteration of OS X version 10.5 codenamed “Leopard.”

Thanks to Hayes Sanborn for the news tip!





Filed in: Software

  • http://www.alexandergrundner.com Alexander Grundner

    That’s sweet! It’s also a smart move on Apple’s part to migrate current Windows XP users to OS X. I think the only drawback to this setup would be is that if you install your licensed copy of Windows to your new Apple PC, you’ll lose the ability to run that same (already installed) OS on your desktop since Microsoft only allows one activated copy to run on one machine.

  • techchic

    That’s Hot!

  • jeroen020

    No support for XP MCE, only home and pro. Would be nice to have a Mac Mini as HTPC mini for bedroom/kitchen etc, or an iMac as a stylish integrated MCE/HTPC….

  • sdsdv10

    I apologize in advance for the grammar suggestions, but I think the title should read:
    “Apple Officially Supports Windows XP on Intel-Based Macs with BootCamp”

    Once I purchase the computer, it’s mine to do with as I wish. As was noted a couple of weeks ago, some computer “geeks” were able to load and run Win XP on an Intel Mac. So it really isn’t a question of allowing or not. That issue not withstanding, it is still quite surprising the level of corporate support Apple is giving to the dual boot scenario.

    Don

  • David Walker

    sdsdv10 said: I apologize in advance for the grammar suggestions, but I think the title should read:
    “Apple Officially Supports Windows XP on Intel-Based Macs with BootCamp”

    Once I purchase the computer, it’s mine to do with as I wish. As was noted a couple of weeks ago, some computer “geeks” were able to load and run Win XP on an Intel Mac. So it really isn’t a question of allowing or not. That issue not withstanding, it is still quite surprising the level of corporate support Apple is giving to the dual boot scenario.

    Don

    I agree with you on doing as you wish with a PC. In fact, the title was very intentional as Apple is not really Supporting XP as much as they are giving you the official ability to do it without further hacking into their system. I think this is an attempt to do 2 things: 1) stop the hacker movement to get WinXP running on a Mac, opening it up to further hacks and 2) giving users another reason to go with Mac PCs, since it can now “technically” run Windows apps.

    I think Jobs probably had a fit when he saw the hacker community get XP running on a Mac. :D