Intel plans a small launch of its Panther Lake laptop chips late next year. The company will release just one version at first with 12 cores total - four for performance and eight for efficiency. This processor will also contain four XE3 graphics cores for display tasks. The chip runs at 45W power, making it a middle-range option that balances speed and battery life.
Earlier reports hinted some models might have special low-power cores, but this first release skips that feature. Intel seems to be starting small before expanding the lineup in 2026. The careful approach suggests the company wants to test market response before full production ramps up.
The new chips use Intel's advanced 18A manufacturing process instead of working with outside maker TSMC. This system uses gallium arsenide materials that reduce power leaks in the tiny circuits. The chips also benefit from a new power delivery method that feeds electricity more directly to where it needs to go. These improvements help computers run cooler and last longer between charges.
Earlier reports hinted some models might have special low-power cores, but this first release skips that feature. Intel seems to be starting small before expanding the lineup in 2026. The careful approach suggests the company wants to test market response before full production ramps up.
The new chips use Intel's advanced 18A manufacturing process instead of working with outside maker TSMC. This system uses gallium arsenide materials that reduce power leaks in the tiny circuits. The chips also benefit from a new power delivery method that feeds electricity more directly to where it needs to go. These improvements help computers run cooler and last longer between charges.
