New York, January 7, 2026, 11:40 (EST) — Regular session
Intel shares jumped about 8% on Wednesday after the chipmaker showcased laptop processors built on its new “18A” manufacturing technology at the CES trade show in Las Vegas. The stock was up 8.3% at $43.37 in late-morning trade, after topping $44.55. 1
The move matters now because 18A — Intel’s label for its next chipmaking process — sits at the center of its turnaround pitch, including hopes of winning more advanced manufacturing work. Intel said its Core Ultra Series 3 line is the first compute platform built on 18A, which the company called the most advanced process ever developed and manufactured in the United States. “We are laser-focused on improving power efficiency,” Jim Johnson, who runs Intel’s client computing group, said. 2
Intel told CES attendees that preorders for laptops using the chips start Jan. 6 and that the first systems will ship Jan. 27, The Verge reported. The publication said the parts are set to go head-to-head with Qualcomm’s next laptop chips and fresh offerings from Advanced Micro Devices. 3
Intel is also chasing gamers. It said it is developing a “handheld gaming platform” based on Panther Lake, and Intel executive Dan Rogers said the company would have “more news to share” later this year with partners, according to The Verge. 4
PC makers are moving quickly to wrap products around the new processors. Acer said it will use Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips in new Aspire 14 AI and Aspire 16 AI models, with availability staggered through 2026 depending on region. 5
Wall Street has added its own tailwind. Melius Research upgraded Intel to “buy” from “hold” and set a $50 price target, MarketBeat reported, after the stock climbed 1.7% on Tuesday. 6
Intel outpaced its peers: the iShares Semiconductor ETF fell 1.2% on the day, while AMD slid about 2.3% and Nvidia rose 1.2%.
But the rally still hinges on delivery. Intel’s performance and battery-life figures are based on company tests, and a slow PC refresh cycle could dull early demand; any hiccup in 18A manufacturing would also cloud its push into foundry work, or making chips for outside customers.
Traders will watch whether the Jan. 27 laptop launches translate into sustained orders, and whether the CES pipeline produces more design wins. Intel’s investor relations calendar showed no upcoming events listed on Wednesday, keeping attention on when the company will pin down its next earnings date and guidance. 7
