Intel may cancel its 18A lithography node for foundry customers
Intel considers cancelling its 18A node for foundry customers
Rumour has it that Intel’s new CEO, Lip Bu Tan, has considered deprioritising the company’s 18A lithography node and stopping marketing it to potential clients. While the node will still be used internally by Intel for products like Panther Lake, this move would represent a significant step backwards for Intel’s foundry ambitions.
While Intel reportedly plans to focus its foundry efforts on its next-generation 14A node, it is not due to be ready until 2027. Furthermore, Intel’s potential step away from 18A could dissuade future customers. After all, if Intel couldn’t be trusted to deliver 18A to 3rd parties, why would they trust 14A?
So far, Intel has denied these recent rumours, stating that they are ”
We are not going to comment on market rumours and speculation, “committed to strengthening our roadmap” and “improving our financial position for the future.”
As we have said previously, we are committed to strengthening our roadmap, delivering for our customers and improving our financial position for the future.”
– Intel to Tom’s Hardware
(Intel’s Foundry Roadmap (from April 2025))
If Intel stops offering its 18A node to third parties, the company will be writing off a significant amount of expenditure. Intel spent billions developing its 18A series nodes. Furthermore, the node was built with 3rd parties in mind. Intel may not have enough in-house chip manufacturing to fill its 18A fabs. Remember, Intel intended for its fabs to produce both Intel and non-Intel products.
Lip-Bu Tan, Intel’s CEO, has plans to cut costs. In April, it sold off a majority stake in Altera to free up funds. The company has also had layoffs in recent months. 18A was supposed to showcase Intel’s manufacturing prowess. Now, it appears to be being sacrificed as part of the company’s cost-cutting measures.
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