AMD pushes on-device AI with new Ryzen AI 400 series at CES 2026

AMD has unveiled its Ryzen AI 400 series processors at CES 2026, aiming to make on-device artificial intelligence a standard feature in everyday PCs by delivering stronger performance, longer battery life, and reduced dependence on cloud-based processing.

AMD has introduced a new lineup of AI-focused PC processors at CES 2026, signalling a broader shift toward making artificial intelligence a core part of personal computing. The announcement was made during the company’s keynote address by Chair and CEO Lisa Su, who said AI should be accessible to mainstream users rather than limited to data centres or premium systems.

The new Ryzen AI 400 Series targets everyday PC users seeking faster on-device AI capabilities. AMD claims the processors offer up to 1.3 times better multitasking performance and 1.7 times faster content creation speeds compared with competing chips. Featuring up to 12 CPU cores and 24 threads, the new lineup marks a significant upgrade over the Ryzen AI 300 Series launched in 2024. The company’s focus, executives said, has now shifted from raw CPU power to how effectively AI workloads can be handled directly on the device.

Performance, battery life and real-world use

With AI performance rated at up to 60 TOPS, the Ryzen AI 400 Series is designed to support features such as live captions, real-time translation, and photo and video enhancements without relying heavily on cloud connectivity. AMD says these tasks can now run faster and with lower latency, even on systems with as little as 16GB of memory.

The processors are built on a 4nm process and use a combination of Zen 5 and Zen 5c hybrid cores, helping improve power efficiency. According to AMD, this translates into full-day or even multi-day battery life for common workloads, including up to 24 hours of video playback—an important consideration for students and mobile professionals.

Crowded market, clear positioning

AMD said it now supports more than 250 AI PC platforms, double last year’s number. Rahul Tikoo, senior vice president and general manager of AMD’s client business, said AI on PCs is becoming more personal and context-aware through thousands of small, everyday interactions.

The company faces stiff competition from Intel, Qualcomm, and Apple. However, AMD believes its strength lies in delivering high AI performance on x86-based Windows PCs, allowing users to access advanced AI features locally without changing platforms or increasing long-term cloud costs.