According to several sources and media reports, Intel has just signed a major agreement with Microsoft. For the record, the 18A process seems to have convinced quite a few companies in recent weeks, but Microsoft is said to be the first to have made a firm commitment. Intel’s 18A process has been heralded as a competitor to TSMC‘s forthcoming N2. Now that it seems certain that this manufacturing process is promising and efficient, it’s not only located in the USA, it’s also available. Intel’s other trump card is its Taiwanese competitor’s bottleneck.
18A: Microsoft first on a long list?
Mass production of the 18A should begin by the second half of this year. Intel will help itself first, since Panther Lake will be using the 18A. But the deal with Microsoft could be the start of a series of signings with major tech companies. Broadcom, which should probably have been the first customer, should make up its mind after having led the dance of negative rumors about Intel in an attempt to negotiate. IBM is also in discussions. But it’s clearly Nvidia that all eyes are on. A few days ago, Intel also announced that the company would be delivering 18A evolutions in the coming months, but above all launching its 14A process in the second half of 2026.
For several months now, most observers have known that Intel was at a tipping point. The signing of a major customer is an important step in confirming the company’s renewal. As soon as the blueprints can get their factories up and running, things will change, particularly in terms of cash flow. Last but not least, Intel’s products will also benefit from this technology, enabling us to regain the upper hand in the consumer and server markets, while restoring margins.
While Intel has been using TSMC for some months now, even if it has managed to produce some interesting products, this mechanism has also caused it to lose precious margin points. Finally, it should be noted that the rumour of a future joint venture between TSMC and Intel on American soil is still latent…
