Intel has announced plans to release its next-generation “Panther Lake” processor in early 2026, marking the latest development in its ongoing quest to improve PC performance. The chip will be used for mobile devices, not desktop computers.
According to Intel executives at Computex 2025, manufacturing of Panther Lake began during the second half of last year. However, the company clarified that it will not use a socketed desktop design.
Panther Lake prototypes were showcased in October and have since appeared in various Intel presentations, including its latest CEO’s debut. The chip is expected to have power consumption similar to earlier Core Ultra processors, such as Lunar Lake.
Intel also demonstrated early versions of Panther Lake running on video editing software like Da Vinci Resolve and image upscaling applications like Topaz AI. A new integrated GPU will be used in the processor.
In contrast, Intel’s next-generation “Nova Lake” processor is expected for release later this year, targeting desktop computers instead. The company has not yet released specifications for Panther Lake or Nova Lake.
Source: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2786317/intel-demos-panther-lake-chips-will-ship-in-2026.html