CES 2026: Qualcomm Introduces Snapdragon X2 Plus for Copilot+ PCs

Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon X2 Plus chipset at CES 2026, strengthening its push into AI-powered personal computing. The new processor targets Copilot+ PCs and arrives just four months after the Snapdragon X2 Elite. This move signals Qualcomm’s intent to expand its AI PC lineup faster than expected.

At its core, the Snapdragon X2 Plus focuses on local AI performance, power efficiency, and sustained computing. As AI features become central to Windows laptops, Qualcomm is positioning this chip as a key building block for the next generation of devices.

Key highlights you should know

The Snapdragon X2 Plus brings a major leap in AI processing. It delivers up to 80 TOPS of NPU performance, making it capable of handling complex AI tasks directly on the device. Qualcomm also confirmed that the platform will be available in 6-core and 10-core variants, giving PC makers more flexibility.

Importantly, the chipset meets Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC requirements, which demand high on-device AI compute. As a result, users can expect faster AI features without constant cloud dependence.

Snapdragon X2 Plus and the new Oryon CPU focus

Qualcomm is using its third-generation Oryon CPU architecture in the Snapdragon X2 Plus. This CPU design prioritises sustained, low-power performance instead of short bursts. That approach fits well with thin Windows laptops and 2-in-1 devices.

While Qualcomm has not shared clock speeds or cache details, it confirmed that the Oryon cores are custom-designed and Arm-compatible. This continues Qualcomm’s long-term strategy of challenging traditional x86 laptop processors.

AI performance sees the biggest jump

AI is where the Snapdragon X2 Plus clearly stands out. Compared to the earlier Snapdragon X Plus, which offered 45 TOPS, the new chip nearly doubles AI capability. This upgrade allows more AI workloads to run locally, improving speed, privacy, and responsiveness.

Qualcomm also claims significant gains across the board. The 10-core variant reportedly delivers higher single-core and multi-core CPU performance, better graphics output, and a large increase in NPU performance over the 2024 platform.

What this means for Copilot+ PCs in 2026

With Snapdragon X2 Plus, Qualcomm is clearly expanding its AI PC vision beyond premium devices. The company says the first laptops powered by this chip will launch in early 2026.

Overall, the chipset strengthens Qualcomm’s role in shaping Windows AI PCs. As more software relies on local AI, processors like Snapdragon X2 Plus are likely to play a central role in everyday computing.