Intel's Panther Lake CPUs: Mobile Focused

Intel's Panther Lake CPUs were initially expected to support both desktops and laptops, but new rumors suggest these processors might be mobile-only. According to leaker Jaykihn, Panther Lake, slated for mid-2025, may only target laptops. This shift means Nova Lake will take over for desktop Arrow Lake processors in Intel's lineup.

Jaykihn has a track record of accurate Intel leaks. Initially, Panther Lake was thought to include both laptop and desktop variants, with desktop models using the LGA-1851 socket, offering an affordable upgrade path from Arrow Lake. Panther Lake is expected to deliver a significant boost in AI performance and improved integrated graphics, thanks to Intel's Celestial GPU architecture and its 18A (1.8nm) semiconductor node.

Details have been sparse since Intel's spring 2024 earnings call, but Jaykihn's updates reveal two tiers for laptop Panther Lake processors: one for high-end laptops and a lower-power version for light notebooks. High-end models will feature up to 12 iGPU cores, while others will have only four.

Arrow Lake processors for mobile are expected in early 2025, but the timeline for desktop Arrow Lake remains uncertain. Intel’s September Innovation event for these releases has been postponed to next year due to recent challenges, including Raptor Lake's instability issues, which have led to a potential class action lawsuit and a loss in market share to AMD.