Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon X2 Plus at CES 2026

Qualcomm Technologies announced the Snapdragon X2 Plus platform at CES in Las Vegas on January 5, 2026, expanding its Snapdragon X Series lineup with a processor designed for modern professionals, aspiring creators, and everyday users.

The new platform features a 3rd Generation Qualcomm Oryon CPU that delivers up to 35% faster single-core performance compared to the previous generation while consuming 43% less power. An integrated Qualcomm Hexagon NPU provides 80 TOPS of AI performance, enabling what the company describes as next-generation agentic experiences and seamless multitasking.

The Snapdragon X2 Plus is positioned to broaden access to Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs, with select devices from leading original equipment manufacturers expected to become available for purchase in the first half of 2026.

According to Kedar Kondap, Senior Vice President and General Manager of computing and gaming at Qualcomm Technologies, the platform aims to meet the demands of users who want to push the limits of generative AI and all-day performance. The chip is designed to power ultra-portable devices that can handle data-intensive analysis, creative design, and video calls without compromise.

Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 7 support and optional 5G capabilities, while security is provided through Snapdragon Guardian technology. The company emphasizes multi-day battery life as a key selling point for the new processor.

The announcement represents Qualcomm's continued push into the PC market, where its Snapdragon X Series platforms compete in the growing category of AI-enabled Windows laptops.