MSI Unleashes Next-Gen Powerhouse Laptops: Prestige 16 AI+ & Convertible Flip AI+ Debut at CES 2026

The MSI Prestige 16 Flip AI+ offers Core Ultra X9 and Core Ultra 7 Panther Lake-H options.

CES 2026 is in full swing, and MSI isn’t holding back. The tech giant has just pulled the wraps off a stunning refresh of its premium creative laptop line, introducing not one, but two new powerhouses designed for pros and power users. Say hello to the all-new MSI Prestige 16 AI+ and its flexible sibling, the Precious 16 Flip AI+, both armed with Intel's latest Panther Lake-H processors and a suite of features that blur the line between laptop and workstation.

Gone are the days of choosing between pure power and limited-edition flair. MSI is streamlining its approach, replacing last year's Intel Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake models with a unified, more powerful vision for the Prestige series.

Design & Build: Sleek, Light, and Surprisingly Durable

First impressions matter, and MSI knows it. Both new models sport a sleek, minimalist aesthetic crafted from a high-grade aluminum alloy. The Prestige 16 AI+ offers a choice of sophisticated Platinum Gray or a warm, luxurious Beige Gold. The convertible Flip AI+ model comes in Platinum Gray, ready for business or creativity in any mode.

Despite their robust internals, these laptops are impressively portable. Weighing between just 1.59 and 1.66 kg (about 3.5 lbs) and measuring a razor-thin 11.9 mm at their slimmest, they’re built for the mobile professional who doesn’t want to compromise.

The Heart of the Beast: Panther Lake-H Processors & AI Performance

This is where things get seriously exciting. The star of the show is the new Intel Core Ultra X9 388H processor, part of the Panther Lake-H lineup. MSI claims the integrated Arc B390 Xe3 graphics in this chip can theoretically rival a discrete NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU. If real-world performance holds up, this represents a monumental leap in integrated graphics, potentially making bulky dedicated GPUs unnecessary for many creators and designers.

Prestige 16 AI+: Configurable up to the top-tier Core Ultra X9 388H.
Prestige 16 Flip AI+: Also offers the X9 388H, but provides a slightly more affordable option with the Core Ultra 7 355H processor and Xe2 graphics.

A Display That Demands Your Attention

Both models share a breathtaking 16-inch, 16:10 aspect ratio OLED display. The specs are a creator's dream:

2.8K Resolution for stunning detail.
48-120 Hz VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) for buttery-smooth scrolling and responsiveness.
100% DCI-P3 Color Gamut for exceptional color accuracy.
VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 Certification for incredible contrast and deep blacks.

The Flip AI+, being a convertible, adds a touch-sensitive layer protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. It also introduces support for the new MSI Nano Pen, which magnetically stores in the laptop's chassis. A clever Press-to-talk feature on the pen allows for instant interaction with Microsoft Copilot, making AI assistance more seamless than ever.

Configuration & Connectivity: No Compromises Here

MSI is offering serious headroom for heavy workloads. You can configure these machines with up to 64 GB of dual-channel LPDDR5x-8533 RAM and ultra-fast PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSDs.

Port selection is comprehensive for a device this thin:

2x Thunderbolt™ 4 ports (for power, data, and display)
2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports
1x HDMI 2.1 port
Full HD IR Webcam with a privacy shutter
Fingerprint Reader (FIDO 2 compliant)
Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 6 for future-proof connectivity
Quad-speaker setup for immersive audio
An 81 Whr battery with 65W fast-charging support

Availability, Pricing, and Final Thoughts

The new Prestige series is ready for pre-order starting today, with sales officially kicking off on January 27.

MSI Prestige 16 AI+ starts at $1,399.
MSI Prestige 16 Flip AI+ (Core Ultra X9) starts at $1,629.
MSI Prestige 16 Flip AI+ (Core Ultra 7) starts at $1,549.

With the Prestige 16 AI+ series, MSI is making a bold statement. They’re offering pro-level performance in an ultra-portable, beautifully designed chassis, backed by cutting-edge AI features and a stunning OLED display. For creative professionals, engineers, and power users looking for a do-it-all machine in 2026, these new Prestige laptops have just become a top contender.

Looking for a powerful AI-ready laptop right now? You can check out the current generation MSI Prestige A16 with Ryzen AI 9 365 on Amazon to see how the tech is evolving.

Buy the MSI Prestige A16 AI+ with Ryzen AI 9 365 on Amazon

What do you think about MSI's new Panther Lake-powered laptops? Are integrated graphics finally ready to take on mid-range discrete GPUs? Let us know in the comments below