Intel quietly removes ‘Q1’ release date from ARC website
Intel’s CES 2022 news conference was full of details on 12th Gen Core Alder Lake CPUs. On the other hand, graphics enthusiasts eagerly awaiting updates on Arc GPU were left with ambiguous messages such as ‘it is shipping to OEMs’, ‘it is coming in Q1 2022’. The latter was not exactly news at this point, but the cryptic message was attached to a laptop design, suggesting it is only a mobile Arc launch.
Interestingly enough, the official Arc website has just received a small update. To the surprise of our readers who sent us a tip, it has been scrubbed of a Q1 mention:
December 2021 – left, January 2022 – right; Source: Intel
Normally one would think that this could have been a mistake, as Intel websites are being updated all the time, but the lack of Q1 was carried over to other parts of the page, clearly suggesting it was intentional.
December 2021 – left, January 2022 – right; Source: Intel
The message from Intel on the Arc release date is very confusing, to say the least. Just two days ago the company announced that Arc is coming in Q1 2022, while at the same time this reaffirmation is being removed from the website.
Intel promises Arc Q1 2022 launch, Source: Intel
Graphics enthusiasts should feel concerned that Arc GPUs may no longer become available in the first quarter, and even if they are it will be a very limited launch for laptops. Earlier rumors suggested that the desktop Arc launch should be expected in the second quarter. It slowly becomes apparent that this date might actually be attached to the whole Arc series, not just desktop.
According to Intel, ARC GPUs are coming to laptops and desktop prebuilt systems, but also as add-in-cards (custom designs) from board partners. During the CES 2022 conference, Intel announced its upcoming VISion event on May 10th, it could somehow be attached to the Intel Arc launch.
