Science
Published Jun 16, 2026Updated Jun 231
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Intel 18A-P Process Launches with Up to 9% Performance Boost or 18% Power Reduction
Intel has introduced the 18A-P process at the 2026 VLSI Symposium, offering up to a 9% performance increase or 18% power reduction over the 18A process. The new node is design-rule compatible with 18A, allowing existing designs to gain improvements more easily, and is on track for risk production with customers in 2025.
Quick Facts
- unveiling of Intel 18A-P process
- announcement of up to 9% performance boost
- announcement of up to 18% power reduction
- risk production with customers in 2025
- Intel
Intel has unveiled its new 18A-P manufacturing process at the 2026 VLSI Symposium, held in Honolulu, Hawaii. The process, described as a performance-enhanced derivative of the existing Intel 18A node, promises up to a 9% performance improvement at the same power consumption, or alternatively an 18% reduction in power consumption at the same performance relative to 18A.
According to Intel, the design rule compatibility between 18A and 18A-P means that existing designs already targeted for 18A can be leveraged to achieve further power or performance gains without starting from scratch. The company stated that 18A-P is intended for high-volume manufacturing in the leading-edge segment, targeting "bleeding edge" process clients.
The 18A-P process is already on track for risk production with customers in 2025, Intel confirmed. This announcement continues Intel's push to regain process leadership in the semiconductor industry, building on the baseline 18A node that itself uses advanced technologies including RibbonFET transistors and PowerVia backside power delivery.
Industry observers note that the new process could help Intel's foundry business attract more advanced chip designs from external customers, as the improved efficiency and performance are critical for high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and mobile applications.
Intel's presentation at the VLSI Symposium highlighted that the 18A-P process targets both performance and efficiency improvements, giving chip designers flexibility to optimize for higher speed or lower power consumption depending on the application requirements.
Why This Matters
Intel's 18A-P process improvements directly benefit chip designers and fabless companies seeking performance or power efficiency gains without redesigning from scratch, lowering barriers to adopting Intel's advanced manufacturing. This could strengthen Intel's foundry competitiveness, offering a low-risk upgrade path for customers targeting high-performance computing, AI, and mobile chips.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2025
WireRisk production with customers begins
Jun 16, 2026
WireIntel unveils 18A-P process at VLSI Symposium