Intel is preparing Nova Lake CPUs for launch by adding initial Linux kernel support. The updates mark the end of the company’s long-running Family 6 CPU designation, a system in place since the late 1990s. With this shift, Intel is introducing the new Family 18 classification, signaling a generational change for its x86 processors.

Nova Lake CPUs mark a clean break from the past

The new identifier was revealed in a Linux kernel patch spotted on the mailing list by Phoronix. It formally places Nova Lake under Family 18, moving beyond a naming scheme that once covered everything from Pentium Pro to Arrow Lake. Previous kernel updates had already refactored the codebase to support architectures outside the Family 6 structure, paving the way for this transition.

Linux enablement for the upcoming Intel processors

The patch introduces two Nova Lake entries:

• Nova Lake – Family 18, Model 1
• Nova Lake L – Family 18, Model 3 (likely low-power mobile variants)

These definitions will let developers integrate driver-level updates for graphics, power management, and scheduling well ahead of the hardware’s arrival.

Why the Family 18 shift matters

Intel’s move is not just cosmetic. By establishing a new classification, the company can streamline support for next-generation architectures without being tied to decades-old conventions. It also helps operating systems like Linux prepare for changes in CPU behavior and optimization.

What’s next for Nova Lake CPUs

With the groundwork in place, Intel is on track for a late 2026 release. Developers will continue adding features to the Linux kernel over the coming months, ensuring smooth compatibility when the processors hit the market. For Intel, the Family 18 era represents both a technical and symbolic step into the future of its CPU design.