All eyes are on Intel as they prepare to unveil their latest advancements at CES 2026. The company's presentation, led by Senior VP Jim Johnson, is slated for 6 PM ET and will be streamed live on the Intel Newsroom YouTube channel.
The Stakes Are High For Intel
Intel is expected to showcase its AI PC initiative and provide in-depth details on the Core Ultra Series 3 CPUs, also known as Panther Lake. These processors leverage an 18A process—that's 18 angstroms, or just under 2nm—and are specifically designed for high-end laptops and gaming devices. While NVIDIA and the US government have taken ownership stakes in the company, helping nearly double the stock price over the past year, Intel still has ground to recover, with the stock down over 20 percent since 2021.
Rivals like TSMC, Qualcomm, AMD, and NVIDIA have been eating into Intel's market share in chip fabrication and AI hardware. The pressure is on for Intel to demonstrate its ability to innovate and compete effectively in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Profitability Concerns Loom Over Panther Lake
Beyond the technical specifications, analysts will be closely monitoring Intel's messaging around the profitability of the Core Ultra Series 3. Reports last summer indicated yields were below 50 percent, raising concerns about the financial viability of these next-generation chips. According to The Verge, Intel responded by saying it felt "very good" about the trajectory on Panther Lake. Still, they missed the late 2025 release date they had envisioned at the time.
While announcements about potential collaborations, such as Intel fabricating chips for a new entry-level MacBook Air, are unlikely at this event, the company will be keen to address concerns around their new-gen chips, and showcase the "AI experiences enabled by the new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Processors." While specifics remain under wraps, the market anticipates a comprehensive overview of Intel's strategy to regain its competitive edge. The focus will be squarely on whether Intel can deliver on its promises and alleviate concerns about profitability.
Forward-Looking Analysis
With the event just hours away, the market consensus is cautiously optimistic. However, Intel needs a strong showing to regain investor confidence and demonstrate its ability to compete with rivals who have been gaining ground. Keep an eye on trading volumes post-announcement as an indicator of market sentiment. A failure to meet expectations could lead to further downward pressure on the stock, while a successful launch could provide a much-needed boost. The next few hours could be pivotal for Intel's future trajectory.