Apple Is Getting an Unexpected Huge New Customer

As its newfound partnership with Apple ramps up, IBM has announced that it’ll be offering its employees Mac computers, 9to5Mac reports.

A memo to employees said that IBM workers would be able to select from a MacBook Pro, a MacBook Air, or a PC when a new workstation is set up. The company reportedly plans to have around 50,000 MacBooks in use by the year’s end.

The move is another step in a stunning reversal of Apple and IBM’s longstanding rivalry. Last year, IBM and Apple announced a partnership to launch “made-for-business apps” for iPhones and iPads. That historical deal came as IBM is doubling down on the enterprise and service offerings, rather than personal computers. IBM sold its PC unit to Chinese technology company Lenovo in 2005.

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