Intel Core Ultra Series 3 debuts at CES 2026 as first platform built on Intel 18A

Intel Series 3

• Intel reveals Core Ultra Series 3 processors with 18A process at CES 2026
• Series 3 boosts AI PCs, edge, and industrial systems with better performance and efficiency.
• Laptop pre-orders start Jan 6, 2026; global release on Jan 27, 2026.

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At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Intel unveiled the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, marking the company’s first compute platform built on Intel 18A process technology. Announced on January 5, 2026, the new lineup positions Intel Core Ultra Series 3 as the foundation for the next generation of AI PCs, spanning consumer laptops as well as edge and industrial systems. Intel said the platform is designed and manufactured in the United States and will power more than 200 PC designs globally.

Built on Intel 18A

Intel Core Ultra Series 3 is the first platform to use Intel 18A, which Intel describes as its most advanced semiconductor process to date. The company says the new process enables improvements across CPU performance, graphics capability, AI compute and power efficiency. According to Intel, the platform focuses on delivering higher performance per watt while maintaining compatibility with the x86 ecosystem, targeting workloads ranging from everyday productivity to gaming, content creation and AI-assisted tasks.

Processor lineup and features

Within the mobile portfolio, Intel introduced a new class of Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors. These chips integrate Intel Arc graphics and are aimed at users handling demanding workloads on the go. Top configurations offer up to 16 CPU cores, up to 12 Xe-cores for graphics, and up to 50 TOPS of NPU performance for AI tasks. Intel claims gains in multithreaded performance, gaming output and battery life compared to previous-generation platforms.

Alongside the Ultra lineup, Intel Core processors based on the same architecture will target mainstream laptops, enabling manufacturers to offer systems at lower price points while retaining key architectural benefits of Series 3.

From PC to edge computing

For the first time, Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors are also certified for embedded and industrial applications. Intel said the chips support extended temperature ranges, deterministic performance and continuous operation, making them suitable for use cases such as robotics, smart cities, automation and healthcare. The company highlighted performance gains in AI workloads including large language models, video analytics and vision-based applications, delivered through an integrated system-on-chip approach.

Availability

Intel announced that pre-orders for the first consumer laptops powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors will begin on January 6, 2026. Global availability is scheduled to start from January 27, 2026, with more designs expected through the first half of the year. Edge systems based on Series 3 processors are set to arrive from the second quarter of 2026.