Intel reportedly secures external 18A/AP orders for Microsoft Maia

Microsoft reportedly plans to utilise Intel’s 18A node for its Maia 3 “Griffin” AI accelerators

Intel appears to have secured at least one volume customers for its 18A/18AP lithography node, one of which is Microsoft. Microsoft’s reportedly using Intel fabs to create their Maia 3 “Griffin” AI accelerator. This information comes from SemiAccurate’s Charlie Demerjian, with Twitter/X user @jumkanlosreve leaking the paywalled information.

If this project goes well, Microsoft will likely create its next few generations of Maia products with Intel. This is great news for Intel’s foundry business, as it needs high volume customers to succeed. According to SemiAccurate, Intel may have several volume foundry customers, though the site has only been able to confirm one of them (Microsoft).

This foundry win is a big deal for Intel. For years, TSMC has been the world’s default option for fabricating silicon. If Intel does a good job with Microsoft and secures more customers, Intel could become a viable TSMC competitor.

With the US’ Trump administration constantly threatening tariffs on chips produced outside of the US, it makes sense for chipmakers to consider Intel’s foundries. That said, Intel needs to deliver if it want to be taken seriously. If Intel fails to deliver what it has promised Microsoft, its Foundry business may not recover.

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