Intel Drops 18A Bombshell at CES: Core Ultra Series 3 First US-Made Advanced Chips
Intel launches Core Ultra Series 3 processors built on Intel 18A, the most advanced semiconductor process ever manufactured in the United States. Pre-orders begin immediately with systems shipping January 27.
Intel just delivered the announcement Pat Gelsinger promised years ago. At CES 2026, the chipmaker unveiled Core Ultra Series 3 processors—the first consumer chips built on Intel 18A, the most advanced semiconductor process ever developed and manufactured on American soil.
Pre-orders started January 6. Systems ship January 27.
The 18A Bet Pays Off
Intel 18A represents the culmination of Gelsinger's aggressive manufacturing roadmap. When he returned as CEO in 2021, Intel was bleeding market share to TSMC-fabbed AMD chips. The company's process technology had fallen two generations behind.
18A was supposed to change everything. And based on today's announcement, it has.
The process uses Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistors and PowerVia backside power delivery—technologies that Intel claims deliver 10% performance improvements over 20A at equivalent power consumption. More importantly, it's manufactured entirely in the United States.
Core Ultra Series 3 Specs
The new processors target the AI PC market that Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm have been fighting over:
- NPU Performance: Enhanced AI acceleration for local inference
- Power Efficiency: Improved performance-per-watt for laptops
- Integrated Graphics: Arc graphics with hardware ray tracing
- x86 Compatibility: Full Windows and application support
Intel positioned Series 3 as the foundation for next-generation Copilot+ PCs, directly competing with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and AMD's Ryzen AI chips.
Stock Implications
Intel shares have been on a roller coaster. The company's stock dropped 60% in 2024 amid foundry struggles and market share losses. But successful 18A execution was always the bull thesis.
Today's announcement validates that Intel can:
- Deliver advanced process technology on schedule
- Manufacture competitive chips domestically
- Compete in the AI PC segment
The question is whether 18A can recapture market share from AMD and defend against Qualcomm's ARM-based assault. That battle plays out over the next 12 months.
Made in America Matters
Intel's domestic manufacturing story carries geopolitical weight. With CHIPS Act funding flowing and Taiwan Strait tensions simmering, the ability to produce cutting-edge processors on American soil has national security implications.
Intel 18A is currently the most advanced process technology available outside of TSMC. That matters for:
- Defense applications: Secure supply chain for sensitive systems
- Automotive: Reducing reliance on Asian fabs
- AI infrastructure: Domestic production of AI accelerators
The Biden and now Trump administrations have both prioritized semiconductor reshoring. Intel's 18A success validates those investments.
Nvidia's Shadow
The elephant in the room: Jensen Huang's CES keynote dominated headlines with Rubin and autonomous driving announcements. Intel's 18A launch received comparatively muted coverage.
That's the challenge. Even when Intel executes well, Nvidia's AI narrative sucks oxygen from the room. Intel needs to carve out a differentiated position—likely in integrated AI PCs and edge computing rather than data center AI training.
Lenovo, Dell Partnership
Lenovo announced Yoga and IdeaPad laptops featuring Core Ultra Series 3 at CES. Dell also showcased XPS systems with the new chips.
OEM support will be critical for 18A's success. Intel needs design wins to translate process technology advances into revenue growth.
What's Next
Intel claims 18A will scale across its product portfolio:
- Consumer laptops (launching now)
- Desktop processors (expected mid-2026)
- Server chips (Clearwater Forest)
- Foundry services for external customers
The foundry piece matters most for Intel's long-term business model. If 18A can attract external customers—potentially including AI chip startups—Intel's fab investments could generate returns beyond its own product sales.
The Bottom Line
Intel delivered. After years of delays and execution struggles, 18A is real, shipping, and competitive. Whether that's enough to reverse the company's fortunes depends on market reception and sustained execution.
For now, the bull thesis is alive. Intel stock should find support on today's news.
Core Ultra Series 3 laptops are available for pre-order now through major OEMs. Systems begin shipping January 27, 2026.