At CES 2026, Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon X2 Plus, a new platform that brings artificial intelligence acceleration, long battery life and always-connected capabilities into a single, tightly integrated design.
While the industry largely expected incremental updates to the existing lineup, Qualcomm instead introduced the Snapdragon X2 Plus, a processor aimed at delivering high-end AI performance to a broader range of devices. Available in both 10-core and six-core configurations, the platform seeks to redefine expectations for ultra-portable laptops without sacrificing battery life or performance.
This latest announcement from Qualcomm marks a significant step forward for the Windows ecosystem, particularly for the growing selection of Copilot+ PCs, and intensifies competition in the laptop market. The Snapdragon X2 Plus is built on Qualcomm’s third-generation Oryon CPU and includes a dedicated neural processing unit capable of delivering up to 80 trillion operations per second. This on-device hardware acceleration is designed to handle demanding AI workloads, from real-time photo editing to autonomous agents, while keeping data local and maintaining fast processing speeds.
Beyond artificial intelligence, the X2 Plus places a strong emphasis on efficiency and connectivity. The chip integrates an Adreno GPU to deliver improved graphics performance, supporting up to three external 4K displays or a single 5K screen. For mobile professionals, the platform includes Wi-Fi 7 and 5G capabilities, providing fast and reliable connections whether working from a coffee shop or a transit hub.
The new architecture also prioritizes security and manageability, features frequently requested by enterprise users. Qualcomm has embedded its Secure Processing Unit and Microsoft Pluton directly into the chip, offering protection from the moment a device powers on. This chip-to-cloud security model works alongside Snapdragon Guardian Technology, allowing IT departments to manage and service devices remotely, even when systems are powered down or the operating system is unresponsive.
As was the case when Qualcomm system-on-a-chip laptops first entered the market, battery life remains a major selling point of the Snapdragon design philosophy. The X2 Plus is engineered to deliver multi-day use on a single charge, supported by intelligent power management that adapts to workload demands. This efficiency allows manufacturers to create sleek, fanless designs that remain cool under sustained use, offering a clear contrast to the bulkier, hotter laptops of earlier generations.
With more than 50 AI-powered experiences already optimized for the platform and support for the latest creative tools, the processor offers a compelling option for users who need performance that travels easily. The first wave of X2 Plus-powered devices is expected to reach store shelves later this year, bringing these capabilities to a wider audience.
We will have additional coverage of new devices based on the X2 Plus once review units arrive for testing. In the meantime, readers can find full coverage from the CES 2026 show floor, including the latest news in technology, gaming and creator-focused hardware.
