Intel has announced a significant rebranding of its processor lineup. The iconic “Core i” series, which has been a staple in the tech industry for over 15 years, is being phased out. In its place, Intel introduces a new naming scheme that is set to redefine its brand identity and product portfolio.
The new nomenclature will see the introduction of the “Core Ultra” series, a name that will be associated with Intel’s most powerful and next-generation processors. This change is set to take effect with the launch of the Meteor Lake line, slated for release in the second half of 2023.
The processor catalogue will now be divided into three distinct tiers:
- Intel: This will be for entry-level processors that were previously offered under the Pentium and Celeron brands.
- Intel Core: This will be for the mainstream line of processors, such as Intel Core 3, 5, or 7.
- Intel Core Ultra: This will be for the catalogue of the most powerful and next-generation processors, such as Intel Core Ultra 5, 7, or 9.
Intel’s decision to adopt the “Core Ultra” name is not surprising, considering that the company had hinted at this change in early May. The company believes that the new naming scheme will help consumers differentiate between their latest high-performance releases and the rest of their products.
The rebranding is not just a superficial change. With the debut of Meteor Lake, Intel’s chips will be the first to adopt the 4-nanometer lithographic process. They will also be the first to feature a dedicated engine for artificial intelligence, known as Intel AI Boost.
However, the transition to the new naming scheme may not be without its challenges. There could be potential confusion between the Core and Core Ultra series, especially when there are overlapping launches of Core 5 and 7 with Core Ultra 5 and 7.
Intel’s new branding strategy is designed to simplify the identification of the right solutions for customers’ computing needs. It emphasizes the prominence of the Intel Core brand, which has been a staple in the PC industry for nearly two decades. With the introduction of the Core Ultra series, Intel is poised to redefine performance standards in the processor market.
