Intel (INTC) Begins Initial Production of 18A-P Process Node, Eyes Foundry Growth

Intel (INTC) announced Tuesday, June 16, 2026, it has begun initial production of its 18A-P process node, a critical step for its internal chip manufacturing and burgeoning foundry business. The upgraded 18A-P process aims to deliver enhanced performance and efficiency, succeeding the existing 18A technology used in current Core Series 3 and Xeon 6+ processors. This move is central to Intel's strategy to expand its foundry services and compete with industry leaders like TSMC (TSM). The company's foundry division generated $5.4 billion in revenue during Q1, though it reported a $2.4 billion operating loss. Earlier this month, reports indicated Google (GOOGL) has placed orders, while NVIDIA (NVDA) is evaluating Intel's process for future chip production. Intel's stock has surged 224% year-to-date and 476% over the past 12 months, largely driven by increasing CPU demand fueled by the global AI infrastructure boom. Analysts project Intel's Q2 Data Center and AI revenue to hit $5.45 billion, a 38% increase year-over-year.