I don't see them giving up the hardware....however, I don't think that the Mac will continue to be their main focus for the time being due to the halo effect with the iPod. However, think of all the cash Apple would come into if the x86 Macs tend to be wildly popular...why would they give this opportunity up to other companies when they could still be making the cash for both the hardware and the software for years to come. This is a bold undertaking, but one that looks like it will bear much fruit. And it looks to benefit both Apple and Intel according to Ars Technica.
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20051115-5572.html
Considering the new relationship between Apple and Intel, it would be silly of them to let go of the hardware at this point.