Intel unveils Panther Lake architecture their first AI PC platform built on 18A
Intel has revealed the architectural details for the company’s next generation client processor Intel Core Ultra series 3 (code-named Panther Lake), which is expected to begin shipping later this year. Panther Lake is the company’s first product built on Intel 18A.
Intel also previewed Xeon 6+ (code-named Clearwater Forest), its first Intel 18A-based server processor, which is expected to launch in the first half of 2026. Both Panther Lake and Clearwater Forest, as well as multiple generations of products built on Intel 18A, are being manufactured at Fab 52, Intel’s new, state-of-the-art factory in Chandler, Arizona.
“We are entering an exciting new era of computing, made possible by great leaps forward in semiconductor technology that will shape the future for decades to come,” said Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan. “Our next-gen compute platforms, combined with our leading-edge process technology, manufacturing and advanced packaging capabilities, are catalysts for innovation across our business as we build a new Intel. The United States has always been home to Intel’s most advanced R&D, product design and manufacturing – and we are proud to build on this legacy as we expand our domestic operations and bring new innovations to the market.”
Set to power a broad spectrum of consumer and commercial AI PCs, gaming devices and edge solutions, Intel Core Ultra series 3 processors are the first client system-on-chips (SoC) built on Intel 18A. Panther Lake introduces a scalable, multi-chiplet architecture that offers partners flexibility across form factors, segments and price points.
Beyond the PC, Panther Lake will extend to edge applications including robotics. A new Intel Robotics AI software suite and reference board enables customers with sophisticated AI capabilities to rapidly innovate and develop cost-effective robots using Panther Lake for both controls and AI perception. Panther Lake will begin ramping high-volume production this year, with the first SKU slated to ship before the end of the year and broad market availability starting January 2026.
Clearwater Forest is Intel’s next generation E-core processor. Branded Intel Xeon 6+, this processor is the most efficient server processor the company has ever created and is built on Intel 18A. Intel plans to launch Xeon 6+ in the first half of 2026. Tailored for hyperscale data centres, cloud providers, and telcos, Clearwater Forest enables organisations to scale workloads, reduce energy costs, and power more intelligent services.
