Half a year after Lip-Bu Tan set out to revitalize Intel, the chipmaker has revealed a significant hardware update.
On Thursday, Intel introduced a new processor called Panther Lake. This chip represents the latest generation in the Intel Core Ultra lineup and is the first to utilize the company’s 18A semiconductor technology.
These processors are slated to ship before the end of the year and are being manufactured at Intel’s Fab 52 plant in Chandler, Arizona, which began operations in 2024.
“We are on the brink of a transformative era in computing, driven by remarkable advances in semiconductor technology that will influence the industry for generations,” Tan stated in a company announcement. “Our upcoming compute platforms, together with our state-of-the-art process technology, manufacturing, and advanced packaging, will spark innovation throughout our organization as we reinvent Intel.”
In addition, Intel gave a first look at its Xeon 6+, code-named Clearwater Forest, which will be the company’s inaugural server processor built on the 18A process. Intel anticipates a launch in the first half of 2026.
This marks Intel’s most significant manufacturing update since Tan assumed the CEO role in March. Early in his tenure, Tan emphasized a renewed focus on Intel’s core strengths and a return to an engineering-driven culture.
The announcement also underscores the connection between the 18A process and U.S. manufacturing. Intel’s press release noted that this is the most sophisticated chip production process currently taking place in the country.
“America has long been the center of Intel’s most advanced research, product development, and manufacturing, and we are honored to continue this tradition as we grow our U.S. operations and introduce new breakthroughs,” Tan said in the statement.
In August, the U.S. government acquired a 10% ownership stake in Intel, just weeks after Tan and President Donald Trump met at the White House to discuss collaborative efforts to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to American soil.
TechCrunch has contacted Intel seeking additional details.
