CES 2026 opened with a familiar pattern where laptops and PCs once again filled keynote stages, but this time the spotlight was clearly on AI PCs. Brands such as Samsung, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, and Microsoft partners used the event to highlight how on-device AI has moved from concept to mainstream product strategy, setting the tone for the rest of the year.
2Software experiences finally catching up
Hardware alone would not have been enough to dominate CES 2026, and software played an equally important role. Microsoft expanded its Copilot Plus PC ecosystem, with deeper Windows-level AI features demonstrated across multiple partner devices. Functions such as real-time translation, contextual search, AI-assisted photo editing, and adaptive battery management were shown running directly on NPUs.
These experiences were highlighted on systems like the Surface Laptop AI Edition and Acer Swift AI series, reinforcing that AI PCs are now part of the Windows identity rather than optional add-ons.
Apple was not physically present at CES, but its influence was clear. Several manufacturers openly compared their AI PCs to Apple’s M-series Macs, especially in areas like efficiency and sustained performance. This comparison has pushed PC brands to refine thermal designs, battery capacities, and software optimization. As a result, CES 2026 announcements focused less on flashy specifications and more on how AI improves daily tasks such as video calls, content creation, and office work.
