Intel used CES 2026 to announce that its Core Ultra Series 3 mobile processors (codenamed “Panther Lake”) will begin arriving in laptops later in January, with more models rolling out across the first half of 2026. The chips are Intel’s first built on its 18A manufacturing process, which the company is positioning as a key step in improving performance-per-watt for thin-and-light “AI PC” designs. Intel and multiple outlets describe the launch as important not just for faster laptops, but also for showing that Intel’s newest in-house process technology is ready for mainstream products.

Highlights:

• Launch scale: Intel said the initial launch covers 14 chips across five product families and is slated for use in “over 200” PC designs.
• New top tiers: The lineup adds Core Ultra X9 and X7 tiers, alongside Core Ultra 9/7 and Ultra 5 variants, aimed at midrange through premium laptops.
• Graphics split: Ars Technica reports the X9 and X7 parts include a fully enabled 12-core integrated Arc B390 GPU, while Core Ultra 9/7 models use the same platform technologies but with fewer integrated GPU cores.
• Memory and IO: Higher-end X9/X7 configurations support LPDDR5x-9600, while some other models support LPDDR5x-8533 or DDR5-7200; Ars also notes Core Ultra 9/7 parts can expose 20 PCIe lanes versus 12 on X9/X7, influencing how well they pair with discrete GPUs.
• Beyond laptops: Engadget writes Intel has also certified the silicon for embedded and industrial use cases, including robotics and smart-city deployments.

I was “proud” to highlight that Intel has shipped its first Intel 18A processors - Lip-Bu Tan

Perspectives:

• Intel: Intel is pitching Panther Lake/Core Ultra Series 3 as delivering improved efficiency, graphics, and AI capabilities, and as a milestone because it is the company’s first product family manufactured on the Intel 18A process. (The Register)
• Product-focused reviewers: Ars Technica frames the launch around platform segmentation details—GPU configurations, memory support, and PCIe lane counts—that will shape how different laptop classes (ultraportables vs. systems with discrete graphics) perform in the real world. (Ars Technica)
• Skeptical context: Engadget notes the launch carries “comeback” subtext for Intel and references prior reporting that the 18A effort faced yield and defect-rate concerns, making this product cycle a visible test of execution. (Engadget)

Sources:

• Intel's 'Panther Lake' Core Ultra Laptop Chips Are Ready for Prime Time: All the Details We Know So Far - pcmag.com
• Intel launches Core Ultra Series 3 “Panther Lake” mobile chips, promising big gains in CPU, graphics, and efficiency - liliputing.com
• Intel Talks Up Core Ultra Series 3 "Panther Lake" & Arc B390 Graphics - phoronix.com
• Intel unleashes Panther Lake CPUs, first built on 18A process - theregister.com
• Intel launches Core Ultra Series 3 laptop chips: Panther Lake is go - pcworld.com
• Intel launches new Core Ultra series 3 processors at CES 2026. Will Panther Lake deliver the win that Intel needs? - techradar.com
• CES 2026: Intel hopes its Core Ultra Series 3 chips are the start of a comeback - engadget.com
• Intel announces Core Ultra Series 3 built on Intel 18A technology - mobilesyrup.com
• Intel launches Core Ultra Series 3 CPUs, made using its long-awaited 18A process - arstechnica.com
• CES 2026: Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Debut as First Built on Intel 18A - reddit.com
• Intel launches Core Ultra Series 3 CPUs, made using its long-awaited 18A process - Ars Technica - google.com
• Intel Unveils Core Ultra Series 3 AI PCs at CES 2026 - techjuice.pk