Intel has confirmed that its 7nm and next-generation chips have been delayed.
Speaking at the company’s Q2 2020 earnings report, Intel confirmed that it was shifting its product timing by around six months. Originally planned at the end of 2021, the new chips are now expected mid-2022, reportedly due to a “defect mode” in the 7nm process.
The news follows Apple’s decision at this year’s virtual Worldwide Developers Conference to confirm a switch to custom ARM chips. The switch was reportedly made due to frustrations with Intel, who regularly has to delay releases due to unforeseen issues.
By switching to its own ARM chips, Apple can be in charge of its entire product roadmap.
Intel did, however, confirm that it was on track to release the 11th Gen Tiger Lake chips, which are based on the firm’s third-generation 10nm++ processor.
These chips will be ready for laptops later this year, and products from the 12th Gen Alder Lake lineup before the year is through. Whether Apple will use any of these chips in upcoming Macs remains to be seen.
The company also posted positive results. Intel’s Client Computing Group department saw revenues increase 7% year-over-year, generating $9.5 billion. Intel says that the results were thanks to an increase in demand for laptops and desktops due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall, Intel’s revenue for the second quarter was up 20% year-over-year, bringing in $19.7 billion.
This was partly thanks to growth in Intel’s data center division.
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