Acer Unveils New Laptops at CES 2026: Innovative Swift, Nitro, and Predator Lines

Acer has announced a lineup of fresh laptops at CES 2026, featuring subtle refreshes across its Swift series and new gaming models in the Nitro and Predator families. Notably, the standout is the Acer Swift 16 AI, boasting what Acer claims is the world’s largest haptic trackpad.

The Acer Swift 16 AI: A Trackpad Like No Other

The Swift 16 AI's trackpad measures an impressive 175.5 x 109.7mm (6.9 x 4.3 inches), making it one of the largest haptic trackpads ever seen — usually, such expansive touch surfaces are mechanical and found on larger laptops like the Razer Blade 16. However, Acer’s version is haptic, providing tactile feedback without mechanical buttons. It even supports stylus input, allowing for sketching or editing directly on the trackpad—no additional tablet needed.

Key Features:

• Processor: Powered by Intel's Panther Lake chips, with configurations up to Core Ultra X9 388H
• Display: Optional OLED display for vibrant visuals
• Ports: A wide array of connectivity options
• Additional models: The Swift Go 14 AI and Swift Edge 14 & 16 AI received updates with similar chipsets. The larger Swift Go 16 AI will feature AMD processors.

Most models are minor updates with improved options for OLED screens, enhancing visual quality across the series. Some, like the Swift Go and Swift Edge, include media controls integrated into their mechanical trackpads, which appear when needed.

Gaming Laptops: Nitro and Predator Series Revamped

Acer's gaming lineup sees additions like the Nitro V 16S AI and the Predator Helios Neo 16S AI. The Nitro V starts with an RTX 5050 GPU and can be configured up to an RTX 5070, providing solid performance for gaming and creative tasks.

The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI, targeting gamers seeking elegance and power, also tops out at an RTX 5070 but features a sleek build and optional OLED display, complemented by Intel Panther Lake CPUs and Nvidia GPUs.

Notes on "AI" Branding and Market Strategy

Despite the prominence of “AI” in the product names, Acer has discontinued the AI lid logo and light-up NPU activity monitors on the trackpads, raising questions about the actual AI integration in these devices.

Expectations and Availability

• The Swift 16 AI and Swift Go 16 AI are expected to launch in Q1 2026
• Other Swift models are slated for release in Q2
• Nitro V 16S AI and Predator Helios Neo 16S AI are due in Q3

Some models may arrive earlier in select regions. Pricing details remain unannounced.

While last year was marked by the launch of RTX 50-series GPUs, Acer’s CES presence feels more conservative this year, with a focus on laptops rather than the earlier hype around its Blaze gaming handhelds, which are currently on hiatus.

Photography by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge