"Sudden" with big enterprises is still a span of multiple years: probably iX-4 series CPUs hit the wall on performance, with power efficiency continuing improvements into 2017 with iX-8*U CPUs — so 2013 and 2017. And as soon as their first Tick-Tock blip hit, it was clear to everyone that they don't have a clear path forward.
In that sense, I fully expect the incumbent top fab to maintain the lead for a number of years even when a "sudden" competitor enters the market with clearer path forward.
In that sense, I fully expect the incumbent top fab to maintain the lead for a number of years even when a "sudden" competitor enters the market with clearer path forward.