Intel has revealed that its 14A manufacturing process already has two potential customers testing chips made with this node. The news was shared during the company’s latest financial results presentation. While this is a positive sign, Intel also confirmed that there are no firm contracts yet. The company expects to secure official commitments in the second half of 2026.
The Intel 14A node is especially important because it will be the first process to widely use ASML’s High-NA EUV lithography. According to Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan (thanks Tom’s Hardware), the company is working closely with these potential customers using version 0.5 of the Process Design Kit (PDK). This version is expected to be officially available by the end of the current quarter.
A Key Step Toward High-NA EUV Production
Intel believes that final customer decisions will be made between the second half of 2026 and the first half of 2027. If everything goes according to plan, mass production for external customers could begin in 2028. However, Intel made it clear that it will not expand factory capacity for third-party clients until contracts are signed and capital deposits are secured.
This cautious approach shows that Intel wants to reduce risk while rebuilding its foundry business and restoring confidence among major chip designers.
One of the main strengths of the 14A node is its flexibility. Intel plans to create multiple variants of this process to cover a wide range of uses. These include high-performance processors and chips for mobile devices, with options both with and without High-NA technology. The goal is to compete directly with TSMC across several market segments.
With a renewed focus on efficiency and performance, Intel is placing a major bet on the 14A node. The company hopes to attract large customers that can make the foundry business profitable in the long term.
