Intel issues 18A update – Next-Gen volume production to start in H2 2025

Intel is already sampling 18A product to customers

Amongst their other CES 2025 reveals Intel has issued an update on the progress of their 18A lithography node. Intel has reconfirmed that their next-generation AI PC products will use their next-generation lithography technology and that samples have already been sent to customers.

Below, Intel’s interim co-CEO Michelle Johnston Holthaus has stated that volume production for its next-generation AI PC products will start in the second half of this year. Furthermore, it seems likely that some 18A products will be released this year. After all, Intel says it will “continue bolstering its AI PC product portfolio in 2025.”

Intel Core Ultra processors are setting new benchmarks for mobile AI and graphics, once again demonstrating the superior performance and efficiency of the x86 architecture as we shape the future of personal computing.

The strength of our AI PC product innovation, combined with the breadth and scale of our hardware and software ecosystem across all segments of the market, is empowering users with a better experience in the traditional ways we use PCs for productivity, creation and communication, while opening up completely new capabilities with over 400 AI features. And Intel is only going to continue bolstering its AI PC product portfolio in 2025 and beyond as we sample our lead Intel 18A product to customers now ahead of volume production in the second half of 2025.

– Michelle Johnston Holthaus, interim co-CEO of Intel and CEO of Intel Products

Last year, there was a lot of negative reporting about Intel’s 18A node. Intel’s former CEO (Pat Gelsinger) even made public statements refuting those claims. Now, Intel has made it clear that they will be releasing 18A products into the marketplace in volume. 18A volume production starts in the second half of this year. Furthermore, we may see our first 18A products before the year ends.

Intel’s 18A node will be used to create the company’s next-generation Panther Lake client CPUs. Additionally, the node will be used to create the company’s upcoming Clearwater Forest CPUs. Furthermore, Intel did state in August 2025 that they expected their “1st external customer tape-out in 1H 25.”

You can join the discussion on Intel’s 18A lithography node on the OC3D Forums.