At CES 2026, Intel introduced the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, the first AI PC platform built on Intel’s advanced 18A process technology, developed and manufactured in the United States. Designed to power over 200 upcoming laptop and system designs from global partners, the Series 3 represents Intel’s most widely adopted and globally available AI PC platform to date. Jim Johnson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Intel’s Client Computing Group, emphasized the platform’s focus on efficiency, performance, and AI integration. “With Series 3, we are laser-focused on improving power efficiency, adding more CPU performance, a bigger GPU in a class of its own, more AI compute and app compatibility you can count on with x86,” he said. The Series 3 lineup includes a new class of high-performance Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors, engineered for demanding mobile workloads such as gaming, content creation, and productivity. These top-tier chips feature up to 16 CPU cores, 12 Xe-cores, and a powerful 50 TOPS NPU, delivering up to 60% better multithread performance compared to previous-generation Lunar Lake processors at similar power levels. Gaming performance improves by up to 77%, and battery life can extend to as much as 27.1 hours during Netflix streaming on reference designs. The Series 3 family also includes mainstream Intel Core processors built on the same foundational architecture, enabling more affordable yet efficient laptop designs without compromising on performance. Beyond PCs, Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors are now certified for embedded and industrial applications, including robotics, smart cities, automation, and healthcare. These edge processors offer extended temperature ranges, deterministic performance, and 24x7 reliability. They deliver significant advantages in AI workloads—up to 1.9x higher performance on large language models, up to 2.3x better performance per watt per dollar in video analytics, and up to 4.5x higher throughput on vision-language-action models—thanks to integrated AI acceleration. This single-chip solution reduces total cost of ownership compared to traditional multi-chip CPU and GPU setups. Pre-orders for consumer laptops powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 begin January 6, 2026, with global availability starting January 27, 2026. Additional designs will roll out throughout the first half of the year. Edge systems based on the Series 3 platform will be available starting Q2 2026. Intel continues to advance semiconductor innovation, with the Core Ultra Series 3 marking a major step in bringing high-performance, AI-optimized computing to a broad range of devices and industries.