New Delhi: At CES 2026, Intel released their Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, and these were a lot more advanced in terms of AI-powered computation. The new chips are based on the 18A process technology of Intel and developed and produced in the United States with enhanced performance, increased battery efficiency, and high graphics to drive the next generation of laptops and edge devices.
Intel claims that the Series 3 is the most implemented AI PC platform so far, and it is already utilised in more than 200 PC designs by global partners. The processors target both consumers and businesses in particular and have a distinct emphasis on power and performance, increased CPU and graphic performance, and compatibility with x86 applications.
Built on Intel 18A, designed for the AI PC era
Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Intel 18A is the most advanced process used by the company to manufacture Intel Core Ultra Series 3. Intel says that the new architecture is achieving significant performance per watt and allows thinner laptops without compromising on speed or battery life. The platform is also accompanied by a more powerful built-in GPU and much better AI compute capabilities.
Intel Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Client Computing Group, Jim Johnson, stated that the company is working on more CPU performance, a larger GPU of its own category, and more AI compute you can count on, as AI tends to be at the core of daily PC workloads.
New Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors
The Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors come with a new series of mobile lines called Series 3. These premium chips are aimed at power users who play, make content and multitask on the move. High-end models have up to 16 CPU cores, 12 Intel Arc Xe cores of graphics and up to 50 NPU TOPS.
Intel boasts of up to 60 percent multithreaded performance, 77 percent gaming performance and up to 27 hours of battery life. Intel also introduced the mainstream Intel Core processors using the same architecture along with these high-end chips, which were more efficient and performed at lower prices.
Expanding beyond the PC
Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors are the first embedded and industrially certified processors. These edge-based chips offer extended temperature, 24×7 reliability and deterministic performance. Intel is focusing on applications like robotics, smart cities, automation and healthcare.
Intel achieves the highest performance on edge AI workloads with up to 1.9x larger language models and much better performance per watt and performance per dollar. The unit system-on-chip design is also less complex and less expensive than the conventional multi-chip CPU and GPU configurations.
Availability and launch timeline
The first laptops with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors are available starting on January 6, 2026, as pre-orders. The systems will be across the world from January 27, and more designs will go live over the first half of the year.