Intel is preparing to launch the next generation of "Panther Lake" processor, produced using its own 18A process, and will be first adopted by Acer's new cordless phone.
Acer opens its new Swift 16 AI for Panther Lake on the eve of the Consumer Electronics Show in Berlin, Germany (IFA 2025). Acer and Intel have been developing this product for one year, weighing less than 1 kg, which will allow users to experience AI applications in-depth. For this reason, Intel and Acer jointly define the new application AI Assistant Builder, supporting MCP (Model Context Protocol). Finally, Acer only said it will be launched in 2026, and the specific schedule will be announced in the future.
From the actual machine and instructions displayed by Acer at the IFA 2025 scene, the Swift 16 AI is equipped with a 16-inch 3K OLED screen and a 120Hz screen update rate. The memory supports up to 32GB LPDDR5X, and has the latest connection technologies such as Wi-Fi 7 and Blue Teeth 6, but uses Thunderbolt 4 instead of Thunderbolt 5.
In addition, the Swift 16 AI touch panel is quite visible. Acer calls it "the world's largest touch panel and supports touch panels". The touch panel can exert creative writing capabilities. There are currently few notebooks that are allowed to be written on the touch panel on the market.
Through Swift 16 AI, the public has seen Panther Lake on their upcoming products for the first time. In fact, this processor can be seen at CES 2025 and COMPUTEX 2025 exhibitions. Intel's financial boss David Zinsner has said that Panther Lake will launch its first SKU this year as planned, and then more SKUs will be launched in the first half of 2026, and will see a significant increase in shipments as it is launched in 2026.
Intel Panther Lake breaks cover in Acer Swift 16 AI — company also touts world’s large trackpad with stylus support Extended reading: Market index Intel 18A yield is not as good as expected, Intel denies: satisfied with the current situation Privacy Panther Lake: Is Intel's advanced process worth looking forward to? Intel 18A Enters Risk Trial and Enters the Final Target of Five Sessions in Four Years