At Intel Vision 2025, a slide incorrectly placed Panther Lake processors in 2026, but Intel swiftly clarified the error. Panther Lake remains on schedule for production later this year using Intel’s 18A process technology. It will blend Lunar Lake’s efficiency with Arrow Lake’s performance, featuring new CPU (16 cores) and Xe3 GPU (12 cores) architectures for the Core Ultra 300 series. This marks a significant shift back to Intel’s in-house manufacturing from TSMC, utilizing advanced 18A technologies like RibbonFET and PowerVia. Its successful launch is crucial for Intel’s foundry ambitions and competitiveness.
At Intel Vision 2025, the company presented a slide that incorrectly categorized the upcoming Panther Lake processors as a product intended for 2026. Following this, Intel clarified that the information displayed was inaccurate. During the event, Jim Johnson, head of client computing at Intel, stated that Panther Lake would integrate power efficiency characteristics from Lunar Lake with the performance attributes of Arrow Lake. He also reaffirmed that the processor remains on track for production later this year and is designed to scale on the 18A process technology.
This clarification from Intel aims to correct the discrepancy in the presentation and reinforce its commitment to the timeline originally outlined for the 18A node processors. A roadmap shared during the event listed Panther Lake as a client product for 2026, but it did not indicate a desktop version, suggesting the focus is only on mobile applications.
Panther Lake is expected to include 16 CPU cores and 12 Xe3 (Celestial) GPU cores. It will launch as part of the Core Ultra 300 series and introduce new CPU and GPU architecture. Additionally, Intel discussed the client markets where its current-generation architectures are being utilized, including the discrete graphics segment, but did not provide specific updates regarding the Arc GPU family during the event.
Lunar Lake is designed as a low-power chip for laptops, featuring on-package memory and a limited range of core configurations. Arrow Lake, in contrast, serves as the mobile version of Intel’s existing desktop CPU architecture, supporting higher core counts than Lunar Lake. These two designs are primarily manufactured by TSMC rather than in Intel’s own fabrication facilities.
Panther Lake marks a shift, as it will be manufactured using Intel’s 18A lithography node. This transition moves Intel’s primary CPU dies away from TSMC and back to its in-house manufacturing. The shift is expected to improve profit margins on these products and demonstrate Intel’s foundry capabilities. If the launch is successful, it may attract new foundry customers and contribute to Intel’s financial outlook.
The 18A node is part of Intel’s broader “five nodes in four years” strategy and incorporates new manufacturing techniques, including RibbonFET gate-all-around transistors and PowerVia backside power delivery. These advancements are expected to enhance performance and power efficiency in Intel’s next-generation processors.
Despite facing manufacturing challenges in recent years, Intel remains on track for high-volume production of the 18A node in 2025, consistent with prior projections. If the company successfully executes its plans, Panther Lake and future processors built on this node could bring improvements in performance and efficiency. These developments would position Intel to compete in a rapidly evolving CPU market and reinforce its presence in the semiconductor industry.
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