However, Intel already turned to TSMC for last year's Lunar Lake notebook CPUs and may do so again for future chips in all sectors. The desktop Nova Lake processors, expected to emerge in 2026, will use transistors from Intel and another manufacturer, likely TSMC. Amid questions over the survival of Intel semiconductors, the company spun its foundry division into a separate entity that it admits will have to "earn" its business just like TSMC or Samsung. Intel claims that other prospective clients have successfully powered on products based on 18A, suggesting that the node's development is progressing smoothly. Sliding revenue and other problems led to the recent departure of CEO Pat Gelsinger, prompting Bill Gates to say that Intel has "lost its way." The Microsoft co-founder noted that Intel has fallen behind in foundry and chip design over the last decade. Rumors of a buyout are circulating, but it remains unclear who, if anyone, would want to acquire Intel.