Intel just shared the details on its next-gen client processor, the Intel Core Ultra series 3 (code-named Panther Lake), set to start shipping later this year. This is Intel’s first product built on their most advanced U.S.-made process, Intel 18A. They also previewed the Xeon 6+ (Clearwater Forest), their first 18A-based server chip, due out in the first half of 2026. Both, along with several future products, will be made at Fab 52, Intel’s new high-tech factory in Chandler, Arizona—a key step in strengthening U.S. tech and manufacturing leadership while building a stronger semiconductor supply chain.
“We’re stepping into a thrilling new chapter of computing, thanks to major advances in semiconductor tech that will shape the future for decades,” said Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan. “Our next-gen platforms, paired with our leading process, manufacturing, and packaging, are driving innovation across our business as we reinvent Intel. The U.S. has always been Intel’s home for cutting-edge R&D, design, and production, and we’re proud to expand here, bringing fresh innovations to market.”
Panther Lake: Scalable AI PC Power on 18A
Panther Lake will fuel a wide range of consumer and commercial AI PCs, gaming devices, and edge solutions as Intel’s first 18A client system-on-chip (SoC). It uses a flexible multi-chiplet design, giving partners options for different sizes, markets, and price points.
Key highlights:
- Power efficiency like Lunar Lake and performance like Arrow Lake.
- Up to 16 new performance-cores (P-cores) and efficient-cores (E-cores), over 50% faster CPU than the last generation.
- New Intel Arc GPU with up to 12 Xe cores, more than 50% faster graphics.
- Balanced XPU setup for top AI acceleration, up to 180 Platform TOPS.
Beyond PCs, Panther Lake will power edge uses like robotics. A new Intel Robotics AI software suite and reference board help customers build cost-effective robots with Panther Lake for controls and AI perception.
Panther Lake starts high-volume production this year, with the first SKU shipping by year-end and wide availability in January 2026.
Clearwater Forest: Efficient Power for Data Centers
Clearwater Forest is Intel’s next E-core server processor, branded as Intel Xeon 6+, and their most efficient server chip yet on 18A. It launches in the first half of 2026.
Highlights:
- Up to 288 E-cores.
- 17% better Instructions Per Cycle (IPC) than the previous generation.
- Big improvements in density, throughput, and power efficiency.
Tailored for hyperscale data centers, cloud providers, and telcos, it helps scale workloads, cut energy costs, and power smarter services.
Intel 18A: U.S.-Made Tech Leading the Way
Intel 18A is the first 2-nanometer class node developed and made in the U.S., offering up to 15% better performance per watt and 30% higher chip density than Intel 35. It’s being qualified and ramped up at Intel’s Oregon site and will hit high-volume production in Arizona.
Innovations include:
- RibbonFET: Intel’s first new transistor in over a decade for better scaling and efficiency.
- PowerVia: A backside power delivery system for improved power and signal flow.
Foveros, Intel’s advanced packaging and 3D stacking, lets multiple chiplets combine into flexible, scalable SoCs for top system performance. Intel 18A will underpin at least three generations of client and server products.
Fab 52: Expanding Intel’s U.S. Legacy
Fab 52 is Intel’s fifth high-volume fab at its Ocotillo campus in Chandler, Arizona, producing the U.S.’s most advanced logic chips. It’s part of Intel’s $100 billion push to grow domestic operations.
With R&D and production in Oregon, fabrication in Arizona, and packaging in New Mexico, Intel is well-positioned to meet national priorities and support Intel Foundry customers. Fab 52 builds on 56 years of U.S. innovation, marking a milestone in creating a trusted leading-edge foundry for the AI era.
What do you think about Intel’s 18A push? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Source: Intel
