CES 2026 has kicked off with a wave of new hardware, and Lenovo is leading the charge with a significant refresh of its premium Yoga laptop line. The spotlight shines brightest on the flagship Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition, a device that blends high-end creator-focused specifications with innovative new interaction methods, signaling a push towards more versatile and powerful mobile workstations.
A Flagship Redesigned for Power and Precision
The new Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition represents a comprehensive overhaul, starting with its chassis. Lenovo has introduced a new two-tone Thunder Grey finish that is not only aesthetically refined but is also engineered to improve thermal management. This is crucial for the powerful components housed within, which include the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processors (codenamed Panther Lake) and discrete graphics options up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU. This combination promises to handle demanding creative workloads and gaming with ease, making it a true all-rounder for power users.
Key Specifications: Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 (Panther Lake)
- Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU
- Display: 16-inch 3.2K (3200x2000) PureSight Pro Tandem OLED, 1600 nits peak brightness
- Key Feature: Force Pad (haptic touchpad that doubles as a drawing surface)
- Stylus: Included Yoga Pen Gen 2 with magnetic lid attachment
- Launch: Q2 2026
- Starting Price: USD 1,899.99
The Display and the Debut of the Force Pad
Visual fidelity is paramount for a creator laptop, and the Yoga Pro 9i delivers with a stunning 16-inch 3.2K PureSight Pro Tandem OLED display. This advanced panel technology is capable of reaching an impressive 1,600 nits of peak brightness, ensuring vibrant HDR content and excellent visibility even in bright environments. The most intriguing new feature, however, is the introduction of the Force Pad. This is not just an ordinary touchpad; it is an advanced haptic surface that can transform into a dedicated drawing area. When paired with the included Yoga Pen Gen 2 stylus, users can sketch or take notes directly on the trackpad, adding a new layer of functionality to the device without needing an external tablet.
Enhanced Usability with the Yoga Pen Gen 2
Complementing the Force Pad is the new Yoga Pen Gen 2 stylus. Lenovo has added a thoughtful magnetic attachment system, allowing the pen to securely snap onto the laptop's lid, either by itself or while in its protective case. This design eliminates the worry of misplacing the accessory and ensures it is always at hand. The pen itself is designed for precision, supporting over 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity for a natural drawing experience on both the main display and the new Force Pad.
A Companion in Slimness: The Yoga 7i Slim Ultra
Alongside the powerhouse Pro 9i, Lenovo unveiled the Yoga 7i Slim Ultra Aura Edition, a device that prioritizes portability without severe compromise. Weighing just 2.15 pounds (975 grams) and measuring a mere 0.55 inches (13.9mm) thick, it is designed for the mobile professional. It shares the latest Intel Panther Lake architecture but opts for a more compact 14-inch 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a still-respectable 1,100 nits of peak brightness. Its port selection is fully modernized, featuring three Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports while omitting legacy USB-A connections.
Key Specifications: Lenovo Yoga 7i Slim Ultra Aura Edition
- Processor: Intel Panther Lake
- Display: 14-inch 2.8K (2880x1800) OLED, 120Hz, 1100 nits peak brightness
- Dimensions: 0.55 in / 13.9 mm thick, 2.15 lbs / 975 g
- Ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C (No USB-A)
- Launch: Q2 2026
- Starting Price: USD 1,499.99
Pricing, Availability, and the Competitive Landscape
Lenovo has positioned these devices at the premium end of the market. The Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition will start at USD 1,899.99, while the ultra-portable Yoga 7i Slim Ultra Aura Edition will begin at USD 1,499.99. Both models are scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2026. This pricing strategy places them in direct competition with other high-end creator laptops from Dell, Apple, and HP, challenging them with a unique combination of extreme performance, innovative input methods, and brilliant display technology.
Conclusion: A Bold Step for Creator Laptops
The announcements at CES 2026 demonstrate Lenovo's commitment to evolving the laptop beyond a simple productivity tool. The Yoga Pro 9i, with its tandem OLED display, powerful next-generation internals, and the pioneering Force Pad, is a bold statement. It reimagines how users can interact with their devices, blending raw computing power with versatile, tactile input options. For creative professionals and power users seeking a single device that can do it all, the new Yoga lineup presents a compelling and innovative option for the coming year.