For office workers and entry-level gamers alike, the Acer brand is largely synonymous with budget laptops: Workhorse machines that aren't too flashy. Acer Aspire and Swift offerings at CES 2026 largely continue this trend, with updates to existing product lines, including new 14- and 16-inch Aspire AI models.
But it seems like the Swift series is ostensibly positioned as the biggest object of intrigue this time around. The basic 16-inch Swift model is getting an AI overhaul, while the Swift Go and the Swift Edge are receiving 14- and 16-inch model upgrades that focus on integrating a stronger, thinner chassis into familiar designs.
While the Aspire and Swift lineups were front and center, Acer's gaming lineup did not go untouched. We've got all the information you need about the new Predator and Nitro laptops right here. CNET is keeping up with all of the latest news from CES 2026, so stay tuned as we appraise the latest and greatest technology showcased at the event.
The Swift Edge 14 AI and Swift Edge 16 AI are the most important "everyday" laptops from Acer's CES 2026 showcase. Josh Goldman/CNET
Acer Swift Edge 14 AI and Acer Swift Edge 16 AI
The slim and sleek Swift Edge 14 AI and Swift Edge 16 AI feel like the piece de resistance of Acer's CES 2026 showcase. The latest upgrades to these lightweight laptops focus heavily on refining physical form, but the insides of these computers have received an update as well.
These new models aren't quite as thin as the previous versions, but they're light, weighing even less than their 2.2-pound predecessors. Acer incorporated a stainless steel-magnesium alloy into the familiar chassis shape, ensuring that the Swift Edge 14 AI and Swift Edge 16 AI are also built to last.
Both of the new Swift Edge laptops come with an OLED display, with a standard 1,920x1,200-pixel resolution. The 14- and 16-inch Swift Edges both max out with 2,880x1,800-pixel panels, but only the Swift Edge 16 AI model has a touchscreen display.
Internally, the Swift Edge 14 AI and Swift Edge 16 AI are very similar. Both laptops can house up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H CPU, have integrated Intel graphics, up to 32GB of memory and up to 1TB of storage space.
The Swift 16 AI's silvery white top panel feels cool, sleek and professional. Josh Goldman/CNET
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