- Intel Core Ultra Series 3 is the first AI PC platform using Intel’s 18A process technology, designed and manufactured in the US.
- The platform supports over 200 designs from global partners, making it Intel’s most widely available AI PC lineup to date.
- Top mobile SKUs offer up to 16 CPU cores, integrated Intel Arc graphics, up to 50 NPU TOPS, and up to 27 hours of battery life.
Intel has officially announced the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, the company’s first AI PC platform built on the advanced Intel 18A process technology at CES 2026. The processors are designed and manufactured in the United States and represent Intel’s most widely available AI PC platform to date. The Core Ultra Series 3 will power over 200 PC designs from global partners.
Built on Intel 18A process technology
The Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors are the first products built using Intel 18A, the company’s next-generation advanced chip manufacturing process. Intel describes 18A as a big overall improvement in performance and efficiency, which allows higher computing density and built-in AI acceleration within one system-on-chip design (SoC).
Core Ultra X9 and X7 for mobile AI PCs
Within the mobile lineup, Intel launched a new class of Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors for users who need strong performance on the go. These chips include Intel’s strongest integrated Intel Arc graphics so far and target demanding workloads like gaming, content creation, and productivity tasks for modern users.
According to Intel, top-tier Core Ultra Series 3 mobile SKUs offer:
- Up to 16 CPU cores
- Up to 12 Xe-cores of integrated Intel Arc graphics
- Up to 50 TOPS (trillion operations per second) of NPU AI performance
Intel reports performance gains of up to 60% higher multithread performance, 77% faster gaming performance, and battery life of up to 27 hours, based on internal testing shared at CES 2026.
Mainstream Intel Core processors expand access
The Series 3 family also includes Intel Core processors made for mainstream laptops. Built on the same basic architecture as Core Ultra Series 3, these chips (according to Intel) aim to offer better performance and power efficiency at lower prices, allowing thinner, lighter, and longer-lasting mobile systems overall.
Expanding AI at the edge applications
For the first time, Intel is expanding the Core Ultra Series 3 platform beyond PCs into embedded and industrial edge applications. The new edge processors are approved for industrial uses, supporting wide temperature ranges, consistent performance, and constant 24×7 reliable operation.
Intel highlighted performance improvements in key edge AI workloads, including:
- Up to 1.9x higher large language model (LLM) performance
- Up to 2.3x better performance per watt per dollar for end-to-end video analytics
- Up to 4.5x higher throughput for vision-language-action (VLA) models
By integrating CPU, GPU, and AI acceleration into a single SoC, Intel says Core Ultra Series 3 can reduce system complexity and improve total cost of ownership compared with traditional multi-chip designs.
Intel Core Ultra Series 3 availability
Intel confirmed the following availability schedule:
- January 6, 2026: Pre-orders begin for the first consumer laptops powered by Core Ultra Series 3
- January 27, 2026: Global retail availability of initial systems
- First half of 2026: Additional PC designs roll out
- Q2 2026: Edge systems powered by Core Ultra Series 3 become available
