AbstractChemical–mechanical polishing, or planarization (CMP), is one of several advanced microfabrication processes that provide complementary capabilities for constructing advanced electronic devices. At the current state of the art, CMP demonstrates significant advantages due to its high degree of process flexibility, particularly in the chemical formulation of polishing solutions and slurries. This article explores some possible future applications of CMP using new advanced materials other than silicon, silicon oxide, and silicon nitride. Such materials may include refractory and noble metals, high-κ insulators, and mixed metal oxide perovskites. Although no one can predict future applications with absolute certainty, it seems safe to conclude that CMP will remain a key microfabrication technology for the foreseeable future.