At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, Acer unveiled a lineup of new laptops emphasizing advanced processors and innovative input features, with the standout being the Swift 16 AI model's massive haptic trackpad. Described by Acer as the world's largest of its kind, the trackpad measures the size of a football field in relative terms, according to company representatives, and supports stylus input for sketching and editing tasks. This announcement comes as Acer refreshes its Swift productivity series and introduces updates to its Nitro and Predator gaming laptops, all powered by Intel's latest Panther Lake chips.
The Swift 16 AI, positioned as a premium productivity machine, will feature Intel's Panther Lake processors, topping out at the Core Ultra X9 388H. It offers an optional OLED display and a comprehensive array of ports, making it versatile for professionals on the go. Acer highlighted the trackpad's haptic feedback, which provides a more intuitive experience compared to traditional mechanical ones found on competitors like the Razer Blade 16. The inclusion of stylus support eliminates the need for separate drawing tablets, such as Wacom slates, allowing users to perform creative work directly on the laptop.
Joining the Swift 16 AI are several other models in Acer's Swift family receiving similar upgrades. The Swift Go 14 AI and the slim Swift Edge 14 AI and Swift Edge 16 AI will also incorporate Intel Panther Lake chips, while the larger Swift Go 16 AI opts for AMD processors. These updates are largely incremental, focusing on processor enhancements and expanded OLED display options across the lineup, which Acer says improves visual quality for media consumption and professional use.
A notable feature on the Swift Go and Swift Edge models is the integration of media controls directly into their mechanical trackpads. These controls appear contextually based on user activity, providing quick access to functions like volume adjustment or playback without cluttering the keyboard area. According to Acer's product specifications shared at CES, this design choice aims to streamline workflows for content creators and everyday users alike.
Shifting to gaming, Acer introduced the Nitro V 16S AI, an entry-to-midrange option starting with Nvidia's RTX 5050 GPU and scaling up to the RTX 5070. Paired with Intel Panther Lake processors, these laptops target gamers seeking solid performance without premium pricing. The higher-end Predator Helios Neo 16S AI serves as an entry into Acer's flagship Predator brand, also maxing out at the RTX 5070 but featuring a sleeker chassis and an optional OLED screen for enhanced visuals during gameplay.
Despite the prominent "AI" branding in model names, Acer has removed its signature AI lid logo and the light-up NPU activity indicator from the trackpads on these new devices. Company officials did not elaborate on the decision during briefings, but it follows a trend of toning down overt AI marketing amid broader industry scrutiny. The Panther Lake chips, however, continue to emphasize AI capabilities through integrated neural processing units (NPUs) for tasks like video editing and machine learning applications.
CES 2026 marks a quieter year for Acer's laptop announcements compared to the previous event, which was energized by the debut of Nvidia's RTX 50-series GPUs across multiple models. Last year's show also featured Acer's ambitious Blaze gaming handheld series, including the oversized Blaze 11. In a preview briefing, this reporter inquired about the Blaze 11's status, only to learn it has been placed on indefinite hold due to U.S. tariffs imposed shortly after its reveal.
Lisa Emard, a spokesperson for Acer America Corporation, explained the shift in focus during the briefing:
"We wound up just focusing on our core products, on laptops … We don’t have any imminent plans to offer them."Emard noted that the tariffs disrupted plans for the handheld's U.S. launch, prompting Acer to prioritize its established laptop segments instead.
The decision to pause the Blaze series underscores challenges in the portable gaming market, where trade policies and supply chain issues have impacted several manufacturers. Acer's core laptop business, however, remains robust, with the company reporting steady demand for its Swift and gaming lines in recent quarters. Analysts at CES pointed to Intel's Panther Lake architecture as a key driver, offering up to 20% better efficiency over previous generations, according to preliminary benchmarks shared by Intel.
Pricing details for the new laptops have not been disclosed, but Acer anticipates broad availability starting in early 2026. The Swift 16 AI and Swift Go 16 AI are slated for release in the first quarter, followed by the other Swift models in the second quarter. Gaming options, including the Nitro V 16S AI and Predator Helios Neo 16S AI, are expected in the third quarter, though some variants may arrive earlier in regions outside North America.
These announcements align with Acer's strategy to cater to diverse user needs, from mobile professionals to competitive gamers. The emphasis on OLED displays across productivity and gaming models reflects growing consumer preference for high-contrast screens, particularly in creative and entertainment applications. Acer's integration of advanced input methods, like the haptic trackpad, positions it competitively against rivals such as Dell's XPS series and Lenovo's Yoga lineup.
Broader implications of Acer's CES reveals include the ongoing evolution of AI in personal computing. While the Panther Lake chips promise enhanced on-device processing, the removal of flashy AI indicators suggests a maturing market where functionality trumps hype. Industry observers note that this could signal a pivot toward practical AI integrations, such as real-time collaboration tools and automated editing features.
Looking ahead, Acer's focus on core products may stabilize its position in a competitive landscape dominated by Apple, Microsoft Surface, and HP. With CES 2026 wrapping up, attention now turns to how these laptops perform in real-world tests and whether they deliver on promises of portability and power. Consumers can expect more details on configurations and benchmarks as release dates approach, potentially influencing back-to-school and holiday buying trends later in the year.
In the context of global tech events, CES continues to serve as a launchpad for innovations that shape daily computing. Acer's updates, though evolutionary, reinforce its commitment to accessible high-performance hardware. As tariffs and economic factors persist, companies like Acer must navigate these hurdles while innovating, ensuring that advancements reach users without undue delays.