Intel (INTC.O) disclosed key details on Thursday about its upcoming Panther Lake notebook processor, the first chip manufactured using its next-generation 18A process technology, aiming to demonstrate to investors that its high-cost transformation plan can rebuild manufacturing advantages. The launch of Panther Lake targets high-end, AI-enabled laptops, which will serve as a crucial test for Intel to validate the scalability of its 18A process technology, as well as a key opportunity to recapture PC market share lost to competitor AMD. The Panther Lake processor adopts a system-on-chip (SoC) design, typically integrating multiple components such as the GPU and CPU onto a single circuit. Mass production of the processor is scheduled to begin this year, with the first products expected to ship by the end of 2025 and full availability starting in January 2026.