Intel puts 18A-P into risk production as Apple, Google circle

Intel said its 18A-P manufacturing node has entered risk production, the low-volume stage before mass production, and framed the milestone as part of its push to attract outside foundry customers. The company says 18A-P is a refined version of 18A that delivers 9% higher performance at iso-power or 18% lower power at iso-performance, while remaining design-rule compatible with 18A so existing intellectual property and workflows can be reused.

Intel also said the node improves thermal resistance by 20% to 40% and via resistance by 10% to 30%, with additional design flexibility from new transistor options and a fifth logic Vt pair. The company presented the update at VLSI 2026, describing 18A-P as the first performance enhancement in the 18A family and saying it had reached the timeline previously shared with customers and partners.

The announcement matters because Intel is trying to prove it can deliver leading-edge manufacturing on schedule after years of setbacks, and because 18A-P is being positioned not only for Intel’s own chips but also for external clients. Reuters and CNBC reported that Apple and Google have shown interest in Intel manufacturing, with Google said to have placed orders and Apple linked to early talks or a possible deal, though no company has confirmed a finalized agreement.