Intel’s Panther Lake chips might not roar until 2026

The laptop processors may now be delayed from the next generation of Intel, which is expected to be launched in late 2025, until the first quarter of 2026. The delay appears to be linked to challenges with the Intel’s 18A complex, which plays an important role in the architecture of the Panther Lake. This transformation can affect the competitive schedule of Intel where competing Chipmakers continue to advance the next generation processors.

According to the segments obtained by VideoCardzIntel Lake Panther Lake for the Q1 2026 version, indicating a delay from previous expectations. These internal documents also indicate that Panther can be described by the Core Ultra 300 series when they are finally launched, after the last Intel turned into the designation agreements.

According to the news estimate, the Intel 18a Panther Lake Will HVM in September and will be launched in October, and Start EEP (early empowerment program) will be available to OEM, in the Q1 2026 market (already in January). pic.twitter.com/9RBV9CDGJO

Meng (@Ming59739449) March 14, 2025

Panther Lake is designed to be a major step forward in the Intel CPU, which is possible to bring improvements in performance and energy efficiency. However, the sources indicate that Intel faces manufacturing obstacles with the 18A process, which may have caused the company to be returned from the huge production schedule of the chip. If the delay continues, the laptops that the Lake Panther CPU operates until early 2026 – after a month of originally expected.

Despite the potential setback, INTEL is preparing to launch an early empowerment program (EEP) this year. This initiative is expected to provide partners and developers chosen with the Ban prose brown, allowing them to improve programs and devices before launch for official operation. Although the details remain rare, this approach can help reduce the effect of delay and ensure that the devices that feature the Lake Panther CPU ready when the chips become available.

The reported delay can have significant impacts on the Intel location in the market, especially with the intensification of competition in the space of the laptop processor. While Panther Lake is still expected to play a decisive role in the Intel road map, the industry will closely see to see if the company can overcome manufacturing challenges and provide these chips on the specified date.

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