Key Highlights:
- Intel Core Ultra Series 3 debuts as Intel’s first processors built on Intel 18A
- Designed and manufactured in the United States
- Up to 16 CPU cores, 12 Xe cores, and 50 TOPS of AI performance
- New Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors introduced
- Over 200 laptop designs confirmed at launch
Intel has unveiled Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors at CES 2026, marking the company’s first consumer platform built on Intel 18A process technology. This launch positions Intel strongly in the AI PC race, with a focus on power efficiency, AI acceleration, and wide ecosystem support.
The company says Series 3 will power more than 200 PC designs globally, making it the most widely adopted AI PC platform the company has delivered so far. The processors are designed to handle everyday computing, creative workloads, gaming, and AI-assisted tasks with improved efficiency.
New Core Ultra X9 and X7 Raise the Performance Bar
The headline addition to the lineup is the introduction of Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors. These chips target users who demand high performance on the move.
Top variants offer:
- Up to 16 CPU cores
- Up to 12 Intel Arc Xe GPU cores
- Up to 50 NPU TOPS for AI workloads
The company claims up to 60 percent better multithread performance, faster gaming, and battery life stretching up to 27 hours in supported systems. The integrated Arc graphics aim to reduce reliance on discrete GPUs in thin-and-light laptops.
Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Also Targets Mainstream Laptops
Beyond premium systems, the company has expanded Series 3 into more affordable devices. The Intel Core lineup, built on the same architecture, targets mainstream laptops with better efficiency at lower price points.
This approach allows OEMs to offer AI-ready laptops across price segments, while maintaining x86 app compatibility and long-term software support.
Edge AI Expands Reach Beyond PCs
For the first time, Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors are certified for edge and industrial use cases. These chips support extended temperature ranges, 24×7 reliability, and deterministic performance.
The company highlights gains in:
- Large language model inference
- Video analytics efficiency
- Vision-language-action workloads
The single-chip design improves total cost of ownership compared to traditional CPU and GPU combinations, especially in robotics, smart cities, healthcare, and automation.
Availability Timeline
Consumer laptops powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 will open for pre-orders on January 6, 2026. Global availability begins January 27, with more designs launching through the first half of the year.
Edge systems are expected to arrive in Q2 2026.
