Lenovo swings big at CES 2026 with weird and experimental designs

Lenovo’s rollable OLED rolls on

The Lenovo ThinkBook Rollable was the massive shock eventually yr’s CES, not simply because it has a rollable OLED show that expands on the contact of a button, but additionally as a result of it rapidly turned an actual product you may purchase (although in restricted portions, because it rapidly offered out).

At CES 2026, Lenovo doubled down on that laptop computer with not one however two new rollable OLED ideas.

The ThinkPad Rollable XD is mainly Lenovo’s next-gen SupposeBook Rollable, and it has a rad new spin on the idea. The unique SupposeBook Rollable tucked the OLED panel into and out of a compartment within the keyboard. But the ThinkPad Rollable XD spins that 180 levels so the OLED rolls across the high of the show and throughout the highest of the show lid. When retracted, this portion of OLED panel turns into a “world facing display” that may present calendar appointments and notifications—amongst different issues—just like how exterior shows work on many folding smartphones.

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The different rollable Lenovo dropped at CES 2026 is a gaming laptop computer: the Legion Pro Rollable. Here, the show rolls out horizontally in every course. The show is a 16-inch widescreen when retracted, however can rework right into a 24-inch ultrawide show when absolutely unfurled. A laptop computer should usually have a chassis a minimum of as massive as its show, however the Legion Pro Rollable defies that rule.

While the 2 laptops have very completely different intents, they each present how Lenovo is experimenting with rollable designs. The ThinkPad Rollable XD idea is made doable by a brand new rolling mechanism saved within the show lid, not the keyboard. (It’s additionally seen due to a clear window within the lid, which is intelligent.) The Legion Pro Rollable, in the meantime, expands in two instructions as a substitute of 1, successfully doubling the mechanisms wanted to deal with the rolling motion.

Both additionally change how the OLED panel folds. Before, it made a roughly 90-degree flip because it slid beneath the keyboard. Now, the OLED panel folds 180 levels across the high or sides of the laptop computer. The ThinkPad Rollable XD even makes use of this edge as a management floor for extending or retracting the show.

While the ThinkPad Rollable XD might be thought of a second-gen model of the SupposeBook Rollable, I really assume it’s the stranger of the pair. The “world facing display” and clear mechanism are each consideration grabbing however arguably impractical. (Lenovo has tried putting a display on top of the display lid before, nevertheless it by no means actually caught on.)

Lenovo SupposeBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist

Lenovo’s rollables are distinctive and bizarre, however the primary concept isn’t exhausting to grasp. Big display screen good. Have extra display screen. Happy consumer. But the Lenovo SupposeBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist? This one’s more durable to clarify.

The Auto Twist has a hinge designed to help each tilt and rotation. That’s nothing new, as Lenovo has already offered quite a lot of Twist laptops, and firms like HP and Fujitsu had such designs nearly two decades ago. But the Auto Twist provides spice with a motor that may tilt and rotate the show for you.

Matt Smith / Foundry

Lenovo confirmed off a pair examples. Knock on the lid of the laptop computer when it’s closed and it’ll routinely open. Once it’s opened, the lid can routinely comply with you when you transfer across the room. That may be helpful in the event you’re making an attempt to look at a video whereas doing chores, for instance, or it might be used to maintain you in body when you’re recording video with the laptop computer’s webcam.

Lenovo additionally confirmed an AI assistant mode full with cutesy animated eyes that comply with you across the room. Unfortunately, the demonstration was glitchy once I tried it, because the AI assistant usually failed to answer instructions and mysteriously swapped languages mid-demo.

However, this isn’t merely an idea. The Auto Twist is ready to launch in June 2026 at $1,649. Hopefully, that can give Lenovo sufficient time to sand down the laptop computer’s tough edges.

Lenovo ThinkCentre X AIO Aura Edition

The Lenovo ThinkCentre X AIO Aura Edition is the reply to a query I’m certain has stored you up at evening: “When is someone going to turn the LG DualUp into an all-in-one PC?” No? Just me? Okay.

Seriously, although: I adore the LG DualUp display, so an all-in-one with the identical sort of show sounds nice.

Matt Smith / Foundry

If you’re unfamiliar, the LG DualUp 28MQ780-B (which was first proven at CES 2022 and launched later that yr) has an uncommon 16:18 side ratio, which suggests it’s taller than it’s huge. The Lenovo ThinkCentre X AIO takes that show and pairs it with Intel Core Series 3 processors to create probably the most distinctive AIO of 2026.

The Lenovo ThinkCentre X AIO additionally has a built-in quad-speaker setup and quad-microphone array, plus a removable 4K webcam with bodily privateness shutter, which ought to make the AIO nice for video calls and conferences. The webcam can be utilized with Lenovo DeskView software program to digitize paperwork positioned in entrance of the PC, too.

Obviously, this isn’t going to be a high-volume vendor, however that’s why I prefer it. The ThinkCentre X AIO targets a really particular area of interest of house and company workplace customers who want numerous vertical show house and stable built-in video conferencing. It supplies one thing that’s one in every of a sort.

Lenovo’s Space Frame is nice, but additionally a missed alternative

Lenovo’s latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition in addition to the X1 2-in-1 got here to CES 2026 touting a brand new Space Frame chassis design. Contrary to the way it could sound, it’s not meant to deal with a zero-G atmosphere (and, really, ThinkPads have seen use on the International Space Station for years). Rather, the Space Frame creates more room for inside components by putting them on each side of the mainboard and likewise makes it simpler to restore and substitute parts.

Matt Smith / Foundry

I used to be excited when Lenovo made the announcement. Most ThinkPad fashions are already comparatively simple to restore, however a extra particular give attention to a repairable, modular design can be excellent. The USB ports, audio system, followers, keyboard, and different parts could be swapped with relative ease. I imagined the Space Frame might be Lenovo’s reply to Framework’s extremely modular, user-serviceable laptops.

My enthusiasm was dampened, nonetheless, once I spoke with Lenovo reps in regards to the design. It seems the main focus shouldn’t be on consumer repairs however somewhat on subject service by certified technicians. Yes, the USB ports can be swapped out and the keyboard can be replaced, however Lenovo isn’t making these components (or most others) accessible for house owners to buy for at-home substitute. The battery is the one piece meant to be user-serviceable. Replacing every other element will void the guarantee.

That’s a disgrace. And given the latest wave of curiosity in user-serviceable and repairable client electronics, it’s a missed alternative. ThinkPad has a loyal group of tinkerers and fanatics who I’m certain would like to see extra methods to restore and improve their machines. So, Lenovo, I problem you. Sell us substitute USB ports!

Lenovo’s Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition has the Force(pad)

Last, however not least, is the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition with a Forcepad that’s appropriate with a Lenovo stylus that features Wacom expertise. It’s mainly a drawing pill and a touchpad in a single.

The Yoga Pro 9i isn’t the one laptop computer at CES 2026 that gives a touchpad with a drawing floor. Acer’s Swift 16 AI additionally has this characteristic. However, Acer’s model doesn’t declare Wacom expertise and, in my temporary time making an attempt each laptops, I felt the Yoga Pro 9i’s touchpad was much more responsive to the touch enter. The Swift 16 AI has a haptic touchpad with support for stylus input, nevertheless it appeared a tad floaty and disconnected in comparison with the Forcepad.

Matt Smith / Foundry

I doubt the Forcepad will substitute a Wacom pill for skilled artists, nevertheless it looks like an excellent possibility for individuals who desire a digital drawing floor that’s simple to tackle the go, or wish to get acquainted with the fundamentals earlier than splurging on a “real” drawing pill.

Importantly, including this uncommon characteristic doesn’t appear to have compromised the touchpad. The Forcepad is massive, responsive, and worthy of a high-end Windows laptop computer just like the Yoga Pro 9i. Users who don’t want the elective stylus enter aren’t giving something up.

Lenovo’s dual-screen Yoga was absent

While Lenovo got here to CES 2026 with plenty of weirdly wonderful PCs, one mannequin was notably absent: the dual-screen Lenovo Yoga Book 9i.

The Yoga Book 9i is a dual-screen laptop computer. Both the highest and backside halves of the clamshell have a show. A removable keyboard could be positioned on the decrease half, which converts the machine right into a laptop computer. Or the keyboard can be utilized on a desktop whereas the shows are supported by a kickstand, successfully turning the machine right into a small all-in-one.

Asus has its personal model of this concept—the Zenbook Duo—and it got here to CES 2026 with a brand new design that has a number of huge upgrades: a bigger battery, a small hole between the 2 shows, and a brand new exterior design with the corporate’s distinctive ceraluminum materials.

Lenovo, nonetheless, had nothing new to say in regards to the Yoga Book 9i, which is a disgrace. The first-generation Yoga Book 9i felt aggressive with the Asus Zenbook Duo, however Asus’ newer iterations have swayed me in the direction of recommending it over the Yoga Book 9i now. I’m desperate to see how Lenovo plans to enhance on the concept.

An thrilling CES for Lenovo this yr

I believe it’s truthful to say that CES 2026 would possibly’ve been Lenovo’s greatest present but. This wasn’t simply because it introduced bizarre laptops to the present stream. It additionally had an enormous occasion on the Las Vegas Sphere that led to a Gwen Stefani live performance. No, seriously!

So, it’s good to see that even whereas Lenovo entrenches its lead within the PC market, it’s nonetheless keen to experiment. In reality, the corporate’s success appears to have emboldened its efforts, which develop into stranger and extra aggressive with every year. And I’m okay with that.

Further studying: The best of CES 2026 that blew us away