Intel has officially announced that its Lunar Lake processors will begin shipping in September 2024, dispelling rumors of a delay. These new CPUs are set to power next-generation AI PCs and will compete directly with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series SoCs and AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 processors. The confirmation from Intel comes after reports of a delay in the Lunar Lake line’s shipping date by a Taiwanese publication. Intel clarified that the processors have not been delayed and will start shipping in the third quarter, ahead of the holiday season.
The Lunar Lake-powered laptops are expected to be unveiled between September 17 and 24, with sales beginning on the 25th. Intel will host its “Innovation” event on September 24, potentially showcasing the new processors on that day. In addition to the Lunar Lake processors, Intel is also expected to launch the Arrow Lake-S desktop CPUs in October, with more SKUs to follow early next year. The initial launch is rumored to include unlocked K-series chips, while locked non-K units will likely arrive next year. These new desktop CPUs will compete with AMD’s Zen 5-based Ryzen 9000 “Granite Ridge” platform.
While the Arrow Lake CPUs are geared towards desktops and DIY enthusiasts, the Lunar Lake “Core Ultra 200V” CPUs are designed for thin and light laptops, positioned to compete with Qualcomm’s Copilot+ PC powered by Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors. AMD is also entering the AI PC market with its Ryzen AI 300 “Strix Point” APUs set to be available in retail stores next month.
Microsoft has confirmed that laptops equipped with Lunar Lake and Strix Point CPUs will not launch with the Copilot+ feature, but will receive it in an update post-launch. This is in contrast to Snapdragon-powered devices that have Copilot+ integrated from the start. Devices using upcoming chips from Intel and AMD will meet Microsoft’s Copilot+ standard, requiring laptops to have a powerful NPU capable of processing over 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS).
Overall, Intel’s Lunar Lake processors are set to make a mark in the AI PC market and compete with established players like Qualcomm and AMD. With their launch date fast approaching, consumers can expect a new wave of AI-powered devices offering advanced capabilities and performance.
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https://www.techspot.com/news/103520-intel-confirms-lunar-lake-ai-processors-launch-september.html
