Panther Lake
Intel's Core Ultra 300 mobile CPUs built on the 18A process, launched at CES 2026 with big efficiency and battery gains.
Panther Lake is Intel Core Ultra 300 (Core Ultra Series 3) generation, launched at CES 2026 and built on Intel own 18A process node. It pairs new Cougar Cove P-cores and Darkmont E-cores with Xe3 (Celestial) integrated graphics and a much stronger NPU for AI.
Intel positions Panther Lake around large efficiency and battery-life improvements alongside better integrated graphics and AI performance. Early chips target thin-and-light and mainstream laptops, with higher-wattage versions rolling out through 2026.
Why it matters when buying
Panther Lake matters most for thin, long-battery laptops rather than 175W gaming flagships, which still lean on Arrow Lake-HX. If all-day battery, a strong NPU and capable integrated graphics appeal to you, a 2026 Core Ultra 300 machine is worth considering.