With a 40% defect rate in the 18A process, Intel has overtaken Samsung.
13:55, 14.01.2026
At the end of last year, Intel dropped out of the top ranks of the semiconductor sector; however, it reduced the defect rate in the Intel 18A process, thereby overtaking Samsung.
Percentage of usable products among industry leaders
Currently, TSMC has the highest level of usable products, reaching as high as 80% in some cases. Intel now ranks second in this rating with 60%, followed by Samsung with 40% in the SF2 process.
Some analysts suggest that AMD and Intel have already sold a significant portion of their main processor line. As a result, companies may increase the price of server processors as early as this quarter, with the price increase expected to reach 10-15%.
As for Intel's contract business, Apple processors based on the Intel 18A process are likely to appear in 2027. In addition, by 2029, Intel may begin producing Apple processors based on 14A technology for smartphones.