Intel reportedly cancels Arrow Lake-S Refresh, delaying next desktop CPUs until 2026

As per Panzerlied (via Videocardz), Intel has decided to scrap its 2025 Arrow Lake Refresh plans. Intel is set to release its Arrow Lake lineup of desktop CPUs this year, and it was reportedly working on updated CPU designs for next year. These refreshed CPU designs were expected to mainly utilize similar CPU designs as before, but with additional E-cores and a more robust NPU. The future of Intel’s desktop CPU lineup is currently uncertain.

The next generation Arrow Lake-S processors will be competing in the market within the next 2 years, as indicated by a member on Chiphell. Previously, it was believed that the Arrow Lake-S Refresh would primarily focus on improving the integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), while most other specifications and settings regarding cores, clock speeds, etc. are expected to remain unchanged or undergo minor adjustments. The NPU is anticipated to be similar to the NPU found in the recently launched Lunar Lake mobile chips. There is no mention from panzerlied about Arrow Lake-H or HX Refresh for mobile devices, so it's possible that this option may be available next year.

If these rumors materialize, around the end of 2025, we won't have any new processors for the desktop platform. There's no information about the Core Ultra 300 Series, but if Intel stays on course with its current direction and plans, the next major architectural upgrade could be the Nova Lake-S. This could also lead to an accelerated release schedule for Nova Lake - a CPU lineup featuring entirely new Performance "Panther Core" and Efficient "Arctic Wolf" cores. Initially, Nova Lake is expected to debut in both desktop and mobile platforms in 2026, marking a significant architectural change for desktops after many years.

The launch of Intel’s Arrow Lake CPUs is scheduled for next month, but beyond that, Intel’s plans for desktop CPUs are shrouded in mystery. Will Arrow Lake have a presence on shelves for multiple years like Raptor Lake? Is there a desktop counterpart for Panther Lake? Could Intel’s rumored “Nova Lake” CPUs arrive sooner than anticipated? Hopefully, Intel will provide more clarity on their long-term plans soon. And as always, remember to check out on our comparator so you can secure the finest deal on your next favorite game.