Intel Corp announces launch of Core Ultra Series 3 processors at CES 2026

Intel Corporation presented its new Core Ultra Series 3 chips during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on January 5, 2026. The processors, previously referred to as Panther Lake, are built on the company’s first 2‑nanometer 18A process technology.

Technical specifications and performance

  • Process technology: 2 nm 18A, the first chip manufactured on Intel’s domestic 18A foundry.
  • Target segment: Mobile and laptop processors, with a focus on artificial‑intelligence workloads.
  • Performance claims: Intel reports “exceptional performance” improvements over earlier mobile lines, citing enhanced graphics capability and extended battery life.
  • Availability: Laptops equipped with Core Ultra Series 3 chips are slated to enter the market on January 27, 2026.

Product deployments

  • Acer: The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI gaming laptop and the Aspire AI Copilot+ 14‑inch and 16‑inch models will use the new Core Ultra 9 386H CPU. The Acer Nitro V AI series also adopts the processors.
  • Samsung: The Galaxy Book 6 series will feature Core Ultra Series 3 chips, accompanied by a refined design.
  • Other partners: Intel indicates that the new platform will power over 200 designs from leading global partners, including OEMs that incorporate AI‑centric features.

Strategic implications

Intel’s introduction of the 18A‑based Core Ultra Series 3 is positioned as a “comeback” effort aimed at regaining competitiveness in the mobile CPU market, where rivals have advanced rapidly in AI‑optimized architectures. The launch is intended to reassure investors and partners that Intel’s next‑generation manufacturing process is operational and capable of delivering significant performance gains.

Market context

As of January 1, 2026, Intel’s share price stood at $39.38, with a 52‑week high of $44.02 and a low of $17.67. The company’s market capitalization exceeds $187 billion. Despite the high price‑earnings ratio of 3,480, the new product launch represents a strategic pivot toward AI and high‑performance mobile computing, potentially influencing future valuation dynamics.