Intel Executive Predicts Half of 2026 PC Shipments Will Feature AI Accelerators

• February 18, 2026

Intel’s Japanese division president, Makoto Ohno, has highlighted 2026 as a pivotal year for personal computers equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. According to Ohno, AI accelerators are expected to be integrated into roughly half of all PCs shipped throughout the year, signaling a substantial increase in the adoption of AI-focused hardware within the consumer and enterprise markets.

Rising Integration of AI Processing in PCs

Industry research firm IDC projects that approximately 260 million personal computers will be shipped globally in 2026. If Ohno’s prediction holds true, around 130 million of these devices will be fitted with either neural processing units (NPUs) or other specialized chips designed to handle AI workloads locally. This shift reflects a growing demand for enhanced machine learning and AI applications that benefit from on-device processing rather than relying solely on cloud-based resources.

AI accelerators are key components that enable more efficient execution of AI tasks, such as image recognition, natural language processing, and real-time data analysis, directly on the PC. Embedding these capabilities in consumer and business PCs can lead to improved performance and responsiveness, as well as enhanced privacy by reducing the need to transmit sensitive data over networks.

While Intel has been working on advancing AI integration into its chipsets, the broader industry trend indicates a move toward more intelligent, AI-capable computing platforms. The anticipated rise in AI accelerator adoption could influence software development, encouraging applications to leverage local AI processing for better functionality and user experiences.

The momentum behind AI in PCs also aligns with evolving user expectations and the increasing complexity of tasks performed on personal computing devices. From content creators and data scientists to everyday users, the incorporation of dedicated AI hardware has the potential to transform workflows and introduce new capabilities.

Details regarding specific models, pricing, or vendor partnerships related to the PCs equipped with these AI accelerators were not disclosed. However, the projection underscores the significant role that AI technologies are poised to play in shaping the future of personal computing.

Intel forecasts that AI accelerators will be present in about half of all PCs shipped in 2026, marking a significant shift in the industry.