Intel announced on Wednesday that Microsoft plans to use its services for making a custom computing chip. Intel aims to surpass its rival, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, in advanced chip manufacturing before its internal deadline of 2025. The company shared details at an event in San Jose, California, for Intel Foundry, its contract manufacturing operation competing with TSMC.
Intel intends to reclaim the title of making the world’s fastest chips from TSMC later this year using its Intel 18A manufacturing technology. They plan to maintain this lead through 2026 with the new Intel 14A technology. Microsoft will use Intel’s 18A technology for an undisclosed chip, contributing to an increase in foundry orders from $10 billion to $15 billion.
This announcement marks the first time Intel has revealed plans beyond 2025. CEO Pat Gelsinger, in charge for three years, set the 2025 deadline to regain chipmaking leadership. Intel, relying on U.S. government subsidies and external customer business, hopes to bounce back. The company emphasizes its geographic diversity in operating cutting-edge factories worldwide as a selling point compared to TSMC’s concentration in Taiwan.
Intel has four large customers for its 18A technology but hasn’t disclosed their names, leaving uncertainty about Microsoft’s involvement. Intel is also partnering with Arm Holdings to simplify chip production with Arm technologies, collaborating with universities to provide students access to its 18A manufacturing technology. The company’s effort to attract external customers is crucial for its turnaround, though its success remains uncertain for the next two to three years.