CES 2026: Asus Unveils 16-Inch Zenbook Lighter Than 13-Inch MacBook Air

What happened: Asus revealed the Zenbook A16 at CES 2026, a 16-inch Windows laptop that weighs just 2.65 pounds, making it lighter than Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Air.

Why it matters now: The device sets a new benchmark for lightweight large-screen laptops, combining portability with performance.

What changes for people: Professionals, students, and creators can now get bigger screens without sacrificing mobility.

Who is affected: Laptop buyers, tech enthusiasts, and competitors in the premium ultrabook market.

At CES 2026, Asus introduced the Zenbook A16, a sleek and ultra-light Windows laptop designed to rival Apple’s MacBook Air. Despite its 16-inch 3K OLED display with a 90% screen-to-body ratio, the laptop weighs just 2.65 pounds, depending on the Windows version installed, making it slightly lighter than Apple’s 13-inch Air.

Key features of the Zenbook A16

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme chip

Display: 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen, vibrant colors, and thin bezels

Chassis: Ceraluminum, Asus’ proprietary magnesium-aluminum alloy for strength and lightness

Weight: As low as 2.65 pounds, significantly lighter than most 16-inch Windows laptops (3.3–4.7 pounds)

The laptop blends performance, portability, and premium build quality for creators and professionals on the move.

Why this matters for the laptop market

Experts note that Asus is pushing the boundaries for ultralight laptops with large screens, a segment traditionally dominated by Apple. The Zenbook A16 could:

Challenge Apple in the premium Windows laptop space

Appeal to travelers and mobile professionals

Influence design trends toward lighter, durable materials in 16-inch laptops.