ASUS has announced the details for its “Always Incredible” virtual launch event at CES 2026, scheduled for January 6. The company is introducing a comprehensive suite of AI PCs that categorize intelligent computing into two distinct initiatives: Everyday AI and Creator AI. This strategic shift aims to integrate artificial intelligence into standard hardware across the Zenbook, Vivobook, and ProArt series. The 2026 portfolio is anchored by material innovations and collaborative hardware designed for high-performance multitasking and rugged outdoor use.
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Material Engineering with Ceraluminum Technology
A primary feature of the 2026 Zenbook series is the expanded use of Ceraluminum. This material is a high-tech ceramic-aluminum hybrid created through a plasma electrolytic oxidation process. This technique provides the lightness and thermal conductivity of aluminum while offering the scratch resistance and surface hardness of ceramic.
In the next-generation Zenbook DUO, the Ceraluminum chassis serves to reduce the weight of the dual-screen device while improving its structural integrity. The surface is naturally resistant to fingerprints and wear, making it suitable for professionals who frequently travel. This material application allows ASUS to meet rigorous durability standards without the bulk associated with traditional reinforced laptops.
The Next-Generation Zenbook DUO: Performance and Display
The upcoming Zenbook DUO is designed as the flagship for the Everyday AI vision. It retains the signature dual-screen form factor but introduces internal hardware capable of supporting more demanding AI processing tasks.
Dual OLED Architecture: The device features two 14-inch ASUS Lumina OLED touchscreens. These panels offer 3K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. They are calibrated for 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy and carry VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification.
Core Processing: The unit is powered by the newest Intel Core Ultra 9 processors. These chips include a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that meets the 45 TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second) requirement for Copilot+ PCs.
Battery and Power Management: ASUS has optimized the battery life for all-day use. The system utilizes AI-driven power management to adjust clock speeds and screen brightness based on active workloads, extending usage time during dual-screen operations.
Versatile Modes: The laptop supports multiple configurations, including Dual Screen mode for vertical multitasking, Desktop mode for a side-by-side experience, and a standard Laptop mode with a detachable Bluetooth keyboard.
Image credit: ASUS
ProArt GoPro Edition: Hardware specialized for creators
ASUS has unveiled the first-ever ProArt GoPro Edition, a laptop resulting from a direct collaboration with GoPro. This device is specifically engineered for creators who operate in extreme outdoor conditions, such as mountain biking, surfing, or skiing.
The ProArt GoPro Edition features a ruggedized chassis with a signature blue aesthetic. It is built to endure high levels of vibration, dust, and humidity, as indicated by its IP52 rating and military-grade testing. The internal hardware includes NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-series Laptop GPUs, which are optimized for high-bitrate video editing and 360-degree footage ingestion.
This model is bundled with specialized software tools to accelerate creative workflows. StoryCube uses AI to automatically categorize video and photo assets based on activities or locations using GPS data from captured devices. MuseTree provides a generative AI interface for visual ideation, allowing artists to sketch or input text prompts to generate conceptual imagery locally on the device.
Software Integration for Ubiquitous AI
The 2026 ASUS lineup moves beyond basic hardware specs by deeply integrating AI tools into the user interface. These tools are designed to automate repetitive tasks and improve system efficiency.
AI for everyday users
For standard users, ASUS has introduced features like AI Noise Cancelation and Smart Scheduling. The AI noise-canceling system filters ambient sounds from both microphone input and incoming speaker output, ensuring clarity in video conferences. Adaptive Dimming and Adaptive Lock utilize an infrared camera to monitor user presence. The device dims the screen when the user looks away and locks the system when they leave the vicinity, which improves security and reduces power consumption.
AI for the creator community
For professional artists, the ProArt Creator Hub offers a centralized control panel for hardware calibration and app management. This includes support for the ASUS Dial, a physical or digital rotary controller that provides granular control in applications like Adobe Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve. The Hub now includes AI-driven color proofing tools to ensure that digital content remains consistent across different display types.
Despite the thin profiles of the 2026 models, ASUS has maintained a comprehensive selection of I/O ports. The Zenbook DUO and ProArt models include two Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed data transfer and 4K display output. They also feature a standard USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. This variety ensures that users can connect external peripherals, storage drives, and professional monitors without the need for additional dongles or hubs.
The wireless connectivity is upgraded to Wi-Fi 7, which provides significantly higher speeds and lower latency compared to the previous generation. This is critical for creators who need to upload large 8K video files or collaborate in real-time on cloud-based projects.
Market Availability and CES 2026 Virtual Event
The Always Incredible virtual launch will take place on January 6, 2026, at 09:00 PST. The event will be streamed globally on the official ASUS website and social media channels. Following the livestream, the full lineup of AI PCs will be available for hands-on demonstrations at the ASUS & ROG Media Showroom at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas.
While final retail prices vary by region and specific hardware configurations, the Zenbook DUO and ProArt GoPro Edition are expected to be available for purchase toward the end of the first quarter of 2026. These models represent a significant move by ASUS to standardize AI capabilities across both consumer and professional computing tiers.
