Intel's upcoming 18A-based laptop processors, Panther Lake and Wildcat Lake, face supply shortages that are disrupting PC makers' production plans. The company has acknowledged the issue but has not provided a clear timeline for resolution.
Intel executives confirm supply issues
The chips are built on Intel's 18A manufacturing node, which is also used for the newly launched Clearwater Forest Xeon 6+ server processor. Intel's senior vice president Alex Katouzian confirmed "some supply shortages" during a recent event, adding that the company is working to overcome the problem.
The shortages stem from multiple factors. Intel still relies on TSMC for I/O chips, and TSMC's capacity is tight. Additionally, Intel may prioritize production of the Clearwater Forest server chip over laptop chips, potentially worsening the shortage for Panther Lake and Wildcat Lake.
Multiple factors worsen chip shortage
Kevork Kechichian, another Intel executive, described the situation as "a complex issue" and "not easy" to resolve. The company has not disclosed specific volumes or affected customers, but the impact on PC makers' production schedules is already being felt.
The supply constraints come at a critical time as Intel pushes to regain competitiveness in the laptop market. Panther Lake and Wildcat Lake are expected to power next-generation thin-and-light notebooks, competing with AMD and Qualcomm offerings.
Intel's 18A node is a key part of its foundry strategy, and the shortages highlight the challenges of ramping new process technology. The company has not announced when supply will normalize, leaving PC makers to adjust their product plans accordingly.
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