Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan Threatens to Fire Anyone Whose Chip Exceeds B0 Stepping, as 14A’s ‘Holy Grail’ PDK 0.9 Lands October 2026

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said Intel is tightening foundry launch standards after past delays tied to products slipping beyond B0 stepping.

Intel’s roadmap now highlights 14A, 10A, and 7A, with 14A still targeting risk production in 2028 and volume production in 2029.

A key near-term milestone is PDK 0.9 for external customers, expected around October 2026.

Tan said the stricter quality discipline is meant to restore execution credibility and make Intel a stronger leading-edge foundry competitor to TSMC.