Ahead of CES 2025, Intel has emphasized its dedication to expanding its foothold in the AI-powered PC market. The company revealed plans to begin mass production of its "premium" processors built on the advanced Intel 18A (1.8nm) process node in the second half of 2025.
Intel 18A "premium" processors slated for 2H25
The success of these processors is pivotal for both Intel's AI PC market share and its foundry business ambitions. According to reports from Tom's Hardware and CRN, Intel Products CEO Michelle Johnston Holthaus confirmed that customer samples of Intel 18A processors will be available starting in the second half of 2025. She added that Intel plans to further strengthen its AI PC product portfolio throughout 2025 and beyond.
While Holthaus did not name specific products, Intel's August 2024 announcement suggests the reference is to Panther Lake. The company previously confirmed that the Panther Lake AI PC processor and the Clearwater Forest server chip, both built on the Intel 18A process, have been successfully manufactured, powered on, and booted into their operating systems.
Industry speculation suggests that Panther Lake processors will feature core counts between 8 and 16, depending on the model's target segment. Designed for notebooks, Panther Lake aligns with earlier offerings like Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake. Intel has yet to reveal details about its next-generation desktop processor, which will follow Arrow Lake-S.
Panther Lake: a key to Intel's return to glory
Panther Lake's market performance is critical for Intel's broader success. Reports indicate that 70% of these processors will be produced in-house, lowering costs and boosting profitability. With Intel's foundry division still operating at a loss, turning its financials around is essential for reclaiming its former industry leadership.
The Intel 18A process, utilized in Panther Lake, marks Intel's first node available to external foundry clients. The company sees Intel 18A as the cornerstone in its efforts to regain process leadership from rivals TSMC and Samsung Electronics.
The successful mass production of Panther Lake will be a key indicator of Intel's foundry capabilities, shaping the perceptions of potential external clients.
Intel describes the Intel 18A as its biggest technological leap since the FinFET era, incorporating RibbonFET GAA transistors and PowerVia backside power delivery technology.
While backside power delivery is crucial for high-power processors, its application in Panther Lake remains uncertain. With a processor base power (PBP) of just 45 watts, it is unclear if this technology will feature in the design. Intel has yet to provide clarification.
Intel expects its first external foundry client using the Intel 18A process to reach tape-out by early 2025. If successful, mass production could begin in early 2026, slightly trailing TSMC's 2nm (N2) node, scheduled for the latter half of 2025.
Intel reports strong interest in the Intel 18A process from foundry clients, citing performance metrics that outpace TSMC's 3nm and 2nm technologies in certain aspects.
Ultimately, the real-world performance of Intel 18A will determine its success in the competitive foundry market.