For those struggling to keep up, Panther Lake is Intel’s next mobile processor. It is eagerly awaited for several reasons. Firstly, because it is due to gradually succeed Lunar Lake, which has been a real success. Secondly, because this processor is expected to use Intel’s 18A process, a way for the blue chip to have a real technological showcase… But also to restore margins. It has been known for some time that Panther Lake would be launched in two stages. The first stage will take place in the second half of 2025, with a limited range, followed by more widespread availability in 2026. The latest rumours refine this program, since it seems that only one Panther Lake reference could be launched at the end of 2025.
For the moment, we don’t know what it will be called, but it will be equipped with a CPU comprising 12 cores: 4 cores dedicated to high performance (P-Core) and 8 cores optimised for efficiency (E-Cores). For integrated graphics, it will have an iGPU based on Intel Celestial architecture, configured with 4 Xe3 cores. This system-on-a-chip (SoC) is compatible with LPDDR5X memory and will incorporate an NPU designed to support artificial intelligence tasks. The package has a TDP of 45W, making it ideal for mobile devices.
In addition to the use of the 18A process, Panther Lake is also interesting in terms of the new architectures used for the CPU and GPU. Intel Xe3 has already been mentioned above. For the CPU, the high-performance cores are called Cougar Cove. The energy-saving cores are called Darkmont. The P-Core cores are said to be 13% faster than previous models. The E-Core cores, meanwhile, are said to be around 5% faster. On the GPU side, Intel Celestial is said to offer 50% more performance per watt used. This release, scheduled for this year, will attract a lot of attention. It will also provide an opportunity to gauge Intel’s progress in its architectures and to get an idea of the desktop processors and GPUs expected in 2026.
