In the middle of 2023, Intel announced the x86S initiative — a simplification of x86. The initiative involved the complete removal of real mode, the elimination of 16-bit instructions from protected/long mode, and the partial removal of 32-bit instructions (32-bit instructions were retained for user mode; only system instructions were removed).
In addition, the VTx mechanism for virtualization, which had previously aimed to preserve everything necessary for compatibility with 'legacy' operating systems, was also subjected to reduction. The VTx extension is foundational for the linux/KVM subsystem, providing tools for operation of virtual machines, meaning that the operation of many OS under virtual machines would be significantly slowed down.
At the end of 2024, the x86S initiative was finally rolled back. Instead, Intel formed a working group with the participation of AMD and Google, whose goal will be sparked further solutions for modifying the x86 architecture. Thus, moving away from attempts to make changes 'by decree' (many of which had already ended in failure, such as the replacement of x86 with ia64), Intel decided for the first time to engage in discussions about the future of the x86 architecture with other market participants.
Source: linux.org.ru
