[News] Intel to Begin 18A Tape-outs in 1H25, Reportedly Leading TSMC’s 2nm Launch

Eager to showcase its edge in advanced nodes, Intel has launched a website for its 18A (1.8nm) process, highlighting its readiness for third-party customers and planned tape-outs in the first half of 2025.

According to Liberty Times, this puts Team Blue slightly ahead of its archrival, TSMC, which plans to begin 2nm volume production in 2025, per its website.

Notably, Intel’s Principal Engineering Program Manager, Joseph Bonetti, claimed that Intel 18A, set for Panther Lake processors, is nearing completion, as per Tom’s Hardware. He also reportedly stated that Intel Foundry is set to prove itself with its own products, followed by early 18A adopters Microsoft and Amazon.

North America’s First Sub-2nm Node

Interestingly enough, with rising trade tensions and Trump’s threats of higher chip tariffs, Intel highlights that 18A will be the “earliest available” sub-2nm advanced node manufactured in North America, providing a reliable supply option for customers.

TSMC has begun mass production at its first Arizona fab with 4nm. However, it may wait until its third Arizona fab, expected by the end of 2030, to adopt 2nm or more advanced nodes, as per its website.

The Liberty Times report, citing Intel, notes that one of 18A’s key innovations is backside power delivery using PowerVia, which improves density and cell utilization by 5 to 10 percent and reducing resistive power delivery droop, resulting in up to 4 percent.

Another major advancement is RibbonFET, Intel’s take on gate-all-around (GAA) transistors. This design allows finer current control and reduces leakage—critical as chips become smaller and more densely packed, the report adds.

The Liberty Times report notes that TSMC is preparing a gate-all-around (GAA) solution for its 2nm N2 process, but mass production won’t start until late 2025, with the first products expected in 2026.

Another Tom’s Hardware report points out that Intel 18A website emphasizes its 1.8nm technology as not only an Intel development but an industry-wide platform, involving EDA tools, IP developers, chip designers, and cloud design providers.

Read more

• [News] Update on Intel’s Roadmap for 2025 and Beyond: 18A Products Unveiled, AI Ambitions Setback
• [News] Intel Principal Engineer Calls TSMC Deal Mistake, Argues 18A More Advanced with Early Adopters Secured

(Photo credit: Intel)