At the CES 2026 event, Intel's CEO, Lip - Bu Tan, made a significant announcement. He stated that the company would spare no effort in pushing forward the development of the Intel 14A process technology, with a well - laid plan to commence mass production in 2027.

This cutting - edge technology boasts several remarkable features. It incorporates second - generation Gate - All - Around (GAA) transistors, which represent a major leap in transistor design. These transistors offer enhanced control over the flow of electrical current, thereby improving overall performance. Additionally, the technology integrates PowerDirect backside power delivery technology. This innovative approach optimizes the distribution of power within the chip, significantly boosting energy efficiency.

Intel has high hopes for the 14A process. By leveraging this advanced technology, the company aims to draw in external customers. This move is strategic, as it seeks to pose a formidable challenge to the dominant positions held by TSMC and Samsung in the highly competitive advanced process sector.

However, Intel is not without its hurdles. In terms of capacity planning, the company still confronts some tough challenges. It needs to strike a delicate balance between investing in capacity expansion and accurately gauging customer demand. Over - investing in capacity could lead to wastage if demand falls short, while under - investing might result in losing potential customers due to insufficient supply.