Lenovo's upcoming laptop will literally turn away from you.
Next-gen ThinkPads: Intel Panther Lake CPUs and motorized hinges unveiled
Lenovo is preparing for a significant 2026, and based on the latest leaks, the ThinkPad series is set for its most ambitious redesign in years. Exclusive information provided to Windows Latest reveals that Lenovo intends to use CES 2026 to showcase a new range of laptops featuring Intel’s upcoming Panther Lake processors, as well as a retail version of the intriguing “auto-twisting” laptop we first encountered as a concept last year.
Transforming concepts into consumer products
Reports indicate that Lenovo is serious about the 2026 ThinkPad lineup, transitioning to Intel Panther Lake CPUs (Core Ultra Series 3) across all models. This shift encompasses everything from standard models to high-performance Core Ultra X7 and X9 variants.
A minor yet beneficial “quality-of-life” enhancement? Almost every new model is said to offer an optional 10MP webcam, a timely upgrade as high-resolution video calls have become standard in office environments. The only model missing this upgrade is the “ThinkPad Rollable XD,” which is expected to remain in the “concept only” phase for a while longer.
However, the standout product is the ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist. This motorized concept from 2024, which can autonomously adjust its screen position, is finally set to become a purchasable product. Sources indicate that the production version features a faster and quieter motor compared to the prototype, enabling the hinge to switch the screen between laptop, tablet, and “sharing” modes on its own.
Significance of the Auto Twist
Lenovo appears to be confident that innovative, flexible designs can transcend mere “CES spectacle.” The Auto Twist is engineered to monitor your posture and automatically adjust the screen angle—or rotate to face another person during presentations.
It targets small businesses and professionals who desire a versatile device that feels ahead of its time. Importantly, Lenovo asserts that the motorized hinge is robust enough for daily use, so it shouldn't be perceived as a delicate gimmick.
For those interested in specifications, the Auto Twist model is expected to come with a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display and front-facing Dolby Atmos speakers that rotate with the screen to maintain centered audio. To accommodate the increased power requirements for the motors and AI functionalities, it is rumored to come equipped with a substantial 75Wh battery.
Lenovo is anticipated to make an official announcement at CES 2026. If the speculation holds true, it may be available for purchase around June 2026 with a starting price of approximately $1,499. This price point is surprisingly reasonable for a first-generation motorized laptop. Should Lenovo succeed, it could mark a unique instance where an outlandish concept actually reshapes our perception of business laptops.
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Lenovo's upcoming laptop will literally turn away from you.
Lenovo's 2026 update unveils ThinkPads powered by Panther Lake and the motorized Auto Twist laptop, which boasts AI-assisted rotation and high-resolution 10MP webcams to transform premium business productivity.
