Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) is reassessing its approach to the 18A chip manufacturing technology, signaling a noteworthy change under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, according to a report from Reuters. This strategic reevaluation represents a significant pivot for Intel as it strives to restore technological relevance and attract high-profile clients like Apple and NVIDIA.

Tan, who took the helm in March 2025, now leads a company facing an $18.8 billion loss in 2024, primarily attributed to its underperforming foundry operations and delays in launching next-generation chips.

Rethinking Strategy: A Move Away from 18A?

Intel’s once-promising 18A node, championed by previous CEO Pat Gelsinger as pivotal to the company’s comeback, is now under scrutiny. The company will continue to utilize 18A internally and for existing contractual obligations with partners like Amazon and Microsoft; however, Tan appears inclined to refocus on a more competitive successor: the 14A process.

Transitioning away from 18A for external clients could necessitate a multibillion-dollar write-down, but Intel considers this adjustment essential for strengthening its competitive stance against Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the leader in advanced semiconductor fabrication.

Strategic Shift Toward Targeting High-Profile Clients

The pivot to the 14A process aims to regain partnerships with major clients such as Apple and NVIDIA, both of whom currently rely on TSMC’s state-of-the-art 3nm and 5nm nodes. While Intel’s internal strategy is still being finalized, reports indicate that the board will assess Tan’s proposal later this month, with a conclusive decision anticipated in the fall.

Monitoring Foundry Performance

Market watchers are likely to keep a close eye on Intel’s upcoming earnings report to evaluate the implications of this potential strategy adjustment. The Earnings Calendar API enables tracking important earnings release dates and market reaction metrics.

To ensure ongoing performance assessments, the Key Metrics TTM API provides important trailing data on revenue per share, research and development trends, and operating margins, critical for understanding Intel’s strategic adjustments.

Conclusion

Intel’s possible move away from the 18A marketing marks a crucial moment for its foundry business. With increasing pressure to attract elite clients and compete with TSMC, CEO Lip-Bu Tan is anticipated to make significant strategic decisions. The success of this gamble will rely on effective implementation and the swift scalability of the emerging 14A process.