Intel: 2026 will be a critical turning point for the company's manufacturing technology.

Jin10 Data reported on September 5, Intel (INTC.O) CFO Dave Zinsner stated at Citigroup's 2025 Global TMT Conference that 2026 is crucial for the company's manufacturing technology, at which point it will be determined whether the company is ready to advance to more advanced process technologies. Zinsner mentioned that the company would then be able to decide whether to approve the process technology named 14A. Achieving this milestone has long been viewed as a key part of Intel's transformation plan. “At some point in 2026, we will have a clearer understanding of our progress,” Zinsner stated. He reiterated that Intel would only build the 14A production line after securing commitments from external customers, calling this position financially prudent. However, when CEO Pat Gelsinger first outlined this strategy in July, it raised concerns among analysts and investors. Not advancing to 14A could mean Intel is abandoning its efforts to regain technological leadership.