In a significant announcement made at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, Intel Corporation unveiled its latest innovation: the Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 3 processors. This new line marks a pivotal moment as it represents the first AI PC platform built on Intel's cutting-edge 18A process technology, all designed and manufactured within the United States. With over 200 designs from leading global partners ready to hit the market, Intel is positioning the Series 3 as the most broadly adopted and available AI PC platform in its history.

Enhancing Performance and Efficiency

Jim Johnson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Intel's Client Computing Group, emphasized the company's commitment to power efficiency and performance enhancements. "With Series 3, we are laser-focused on improving power efficiency, adding more CPU performance, a bigger GPU in a class of its own, and more AI compute and app compatibility you can count on with x86," he stated.

The Series 3 lineup introduces a new class of Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors, which boast integrated Intel® Arc™ graphics. These processors are specifically designed for multitasking capabilities, aiming to cater to gamers, creators, and professionals on the go. Key specifications include:

Up to 16 CPU cores

12 Xe-cores

50 TOPS of Neural Processing Unit (NPU) performance

These enhancements promise up to 60% better multithread performance, over 77% faster gaming performance, and an impressive battery life of up to 27 hours.

A Broader Range of Offerings

In addition to the high-end Core Ultra processors, the Series 3 family includes more accessible Intel Core processors, designed to power mainstream mobile systems. By utilizing the same foundational architecture, these processors aim to deliver better performance and efficiency at lower price points, making advanced technology more accessible to a wider audience.

Pioneering AI Applications

The Intel Core Ultra Series 3 does not just target consumer PC markets; it also accelerates AI adoption across various critical sectors such as robotics, smart cities, automation, and healthcare. For the first time, Series 3 edge processors are certified for embedded and industrial applications. These processors are designed to operate under extended temperature ranges, ensuring deterministic performance and 24/7 reliability.

Intel has highlighted significant performance advantages in edge AI workloads, claiming:

Up to 1.9 times higher large language model (LLM) performance

Up to 2.3 times better performance per watt per dollar for end-to-end video analytics

Up to 4.5 times higher throughput on vision language action models

This integrated AI acceleration is set to revolutionize the total cost of ownership (TCO) by providing a single system on chip (SoC) solution, significantly reducing the complexity and cost associated with traditional multi-chip architectures.

Availability and Future Outlook

Intel announced that pre-orders for laptops powered by the Core Ultra Series 3 processors will commence on January 6, 2026, with global availability starting on January 27, 2026. A range of additional designs will follow throughout the first half of the year. Furthermore, edge systems utilizing the Series 3 processors are expected to be available starting in the second quarter of 2026.

2. Conclusion: Intel's Bold Step Forward

With the introduction of the Intel Core Ultra Series 3, Intel is not just launching a new product line; it's making a bold statement about the future of computing. By focusing on power efficiency, performance enhancements, and broad applicability across various sectors, Intel is poised to lead the charge in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and computing technology. This latest development underscores Intel's commitment to innovation and its pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.

Original press release