Key Takeaways
- Intel 18A manufacturing technology is under review as CEO Lip-Bu Tan reevaluates the company’s strategy for semiconductor production.
- The technology aims to improve performance with innovations like a new transistor structure and a backside power delivery system.
- Intel considers limiting 18A technology to internal products, despite past investments aiming to attract external chip customers.
- Executives question external interest in the 18A technology, which may result in significant financial write-offs if marketing stops.
- The company is also exploring the potential of 14A manufacturing technology to better compete with other chip fabrication processes.
Intel 18A manufacturing technology is under review by Intel’s chief executive Lip-Bu Tan. The evaluation is part of a broader examination of Intel’s semiconductor manufacturing strategy. The company is considering whether the Intel 18A manufacturing technology should remain available to external chip customers or be limited to internal products.
Tan became Intel’s CEO in March 2025. After taking the position, he began reviewing several major investments and restructuring plans. The goal is to strengthen Intel’s competitiveness in advanced semiconductor production.
Intel previously invested billions of dollars developing the Intel 18A manufacturing technology. The process was introduced during the leadership of former CEO Pat Gelsinger. It was designed to help Intel compete with advanced chip fabrication processes produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
Features of Intel 18A Manufacturing Technology
The Intel 18A manufacturing technology introduces major changes in chip design and production. One feature is a new transistor structure intended to improve performance and efficiency. Another innovation is a backside power delivery system. This system routes power through the back of the chip rather than the front.
Intel expected these innovations to help the company reach parity with leading semiconductor manufacturers. The technology was also intended to attract outside customers to Intel’s foundry services.
However, some executives have questioned whether the Intel 18A manufacturing technology can attract enough external clients. Reports indicate that interest from potential customers has been limited.
Intel Considering Changes to 18A Foundry Plans
Intel is evaluating whether to stop marketing the Intel 18A manufacturing technology and its improved version, 18A-P, to outside chip designers. The technology would still be used internally for processors already designed for it.
One example is Intel’s Panther Lake laptop processors. These chips are expected to use the Intel 18A manufacturing technology when production begins in 2025.
Ending external marketing of the process could lead to financial consequences. Intel has already spent significant amounts developing the technology. Analysts estimate potential write-offs could reach hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars.
Possible Shift Toward Intel 14A Technology
Intel is also examining a future manufacturing process known as 14A. Company leadership believes the 14A node may offer stronger advantages against competing chip fabrication technologies.
The company’s foundry business aims to manufacture chips for external customers. Securing large clients is critical to this strategy. Many major technology firms currently rely on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company for chip production.
Tan has asked Intel executives to prepare strategic options for the board of directors. The board will review possible changes involving Intel 18A manufacturing technology and the company’s broader manufacturing roadmap.
Intel has declined to comment on specific internal discussions. The company described reports about the review as speculation.