Intel's 18A process technology has achieved a yield improvement rate of 7-8% per month, meeting targets ahead of the year-end deadline. The company's CEO, Chen Liwu, described the fabs as national treasures during a CNBC interview. External customers are now pre-paying for 18A capacity, indicating strong confidence in the process.
Panther Lake CPU volume production imminent
The upcoming Panther Lake CPU is set to enter volume production in the coming months. Intel also provided an update on its 14A process: risk production is scheduled for 2028, with volume production expected in 2029. The 14A PDK 0.5 has been released, and PDK 0.9 is planned soon. Additionally, Intel's EMIB advanced packaging technology has reached a yield of 90%.
Panther Lake CPUs are expected to begin volume shipments in the coming months, according to Intel.
Intel has signed multi-year chip manufacturing agreements with Apple and TeraFab. Both companies are targeting the 14A process for future AI chips. Customer demand for high-performance CPUs has tripled, driven by the rise of Agentic AI. Intel's foundry business is gaining traction as external customers queue up for 18A capacity.
Intel CEO Chen Liwu confirmed the yield improvements and customer prepayments on CNBC. The company has not disclosed further details about the timeline for 14A risk production beyond the 2028 target.
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