Intel Unveils 18-Angstrom Xeon 6+ with 288 Cores, Plans Release by July

• March 2, 2026

At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, Intel introduced its latest advancement in server processing technology, the Xeon 6+ series, codenamed Clearwater Forest. These new processors are crafted using an 18-angstrom manufacturing process and boast an impressive core count of 288, marking a significant step forward in performance capabilities.

Intel positioned the Xeon 6+ as a key element in the evolution of its Xeon 6 roadmap. Designed to meet the increasing demands of AI-centric workloads, the processors target cloud computing platforms and network infrastructure environments where high efficiency and robust processing power are critical.

Showcasing Next-Generation Server Performance

The demonstration of the Xeon 6+ processors at the MWC event served as a tangible preview of Intel’s direction towards integrating advanced AI support within its server-grade CPUs. The increased number of cores inherently aims to provide substantial parallel processing ability, catering to the needs of large-scale data centers handling complex artificial intelligence tasks.

While specific details regarding clock speeds, power consumption, or architecture improvements were not disclosed, the transition to an 18-angstrom process suggests a continued refinement in chip fabrication, potentially offering enhanced performance and efficiency over previous generation Xeon products.

Intel’s roadmap reflects a strategic focus on expanding its footprint in cloud and networking infrastructures, where AI workloads have become increasingly prominent. The Xeon 6+ processors are expected to play a pivotal role in enabling data centers to handle next-level computational demands, supporting emerging applications in AI, machine learning, and real-time data analytics.

The announcement hinted at a planned market release before July 2026, positioning the Xeon 6+ as a forthcoming solution for enterprises looking to upgrade their server hardware to cope with evolving digital workloads. While pricing and availability specifics remain under wraps, the preview highlights Intel’s commitment to innovating within the server processor segment.

Overall, the unveiling of the Xeon 6+ line underscores Intel’s ongoing efforts to maintain competitiveness in high-performance computing by aligning hardware development closely with AI and cloud computing trends that are reshaping the technology landscape.

Intel revealed its new Xeon 6+ server processors with 288 cores at MWC 2026, targeting AI-driven cloud and network infrastructure.