Intel on Thursday announced the unveiling of its new processor, codenamed Panther Lake, marking the next generation of its Intel Core Ultra family. This development introduces the company's first chip built using its 18A semiconductor process, a significant manufacturing advancement.
The Panther Lake processors are projected to begin shipping later this year and are being produced at Intel's Fab 52 facility in Chandler, Arizona, which commenced operations in 2024. This announcement represents the largest manufacturing-focused development from Intel since Lip-Bu Tan assumed the role of CEO in March.
Since his appointment, Mr. Tan has articulated a strategic focus on Intel's core businesses and a renewed emphasis on its engineering-first culture. The introduction of the 18A process is aligned with these objectives, with the company's press release underscoring its status as the most advanced chip manufacturing process currently produced domestically within the United States.
"We are entering an exciting new era of computing, made possible by great leaps forward in semiconductor technology that will shape the future for decades to come," Mr. Tan stated in the company press release. He added, "The United States has always been home to Intel's most advanced R&D, product design, and manufacturing — and we are proud to build on this legacy as we expand our domestic operations and bring new innovations to the market."
In a separate announcement, Intel also provided a preview of its Xeon 6+ server processor, codenamed Clearwater Forest. This chip is also based on the 18A process and is predicted to launch in the first half of 2026. These manufacturing initiatives coincide with broader efforts to bolster domestic semiconductor production, including a meeting between CEO Tan and President Donald Trump in August, followed by the U.S. government acquiring a 10% equity stake in Intel that same month.
