AI-powered laptops have transitioned from futuristic buzzwords to mainstream innovation. According to Gartner, 43% of PCs sold in 2025 are expected to be “AI PCs,” with projections rising to 50% by 2027. Yet the market remains fragmented: in Q3 2024, only 1.5% of all PCs sold were Snapdragon X models, the current hardware leaders in AI. Meanwhile, other estimates show that between 36% and 53% of all PCs shipped now include NPUs (neural processing units), which are central to AI functionality. However, fewer than 10% meet Microsoft’s strict Copilot+ PC requirements. The contrast between technical readiness and market adoption suggests we’re in a transitional phase. Still, experts agree: most PCs will eventually come with built-in AI capabilities, not necessarily because users are demanding them, but because they’ll become the industry standard, offering privacy, security, and performance advantages too important to ignore.
Let’s explore how some of today’s leading laptop models are embracing this shift, primarily through creative, productivity, and utility-enhancing AI tools, and what that means for everyday users.
AI for creators: ASUS ProArt A16 and the rise of onboard generative tools
One of the clearest examples of AI’s creative potential in laptops is the ASUS ProArt A16. This machine is more than a high-powered workstation; it’s a glimpse into how laptops will serve artists, designers, and content creators in the years ahead. While its hardware boasts Ryzen 9 processors and NVIDIA RTX graphics, it’s the ProArt’s AI software suite that truly distinguishes it.
Windows’ native AI capabilities are supported by local generative applications like StoryCube and MuseTree. These tools allow users to brainstorm ideas, automate visual storytelling, and organize creative assets, all without needing constant cloud access. Because these apps operate locally, users benefit from faster speeds, enhanced privacy, and reduced dependency on internet connectivity.
For digital artists and video editors, this means smarter file organization, AI-assisted mood board generation, and streamlined project timelines. The ProArt’s deep compatibility with peripherals and external monitors also supports larger workflows, turning a single laptop into a full-scale creative hub. What’s most compelling is that ASUS hasn’t just added AI features as an afterthought. They’ve integrated them into the core user experience. It’s not about “extra features,” but rather a fundamental shift in how creators interact with their machines.
AI for work and study: HP Omen Transcend 14 redefines multitasking
While HP’s Omen brand is widely known for gaming, its Transcend 14 model is winning attention for its productivity-focused AI features. Unlike traditional HP models that prioritize basic functionality, this laptop takes a giant leap forward by using onboard AI to assist with real-time transcription, captions, and note generation.
The key hardware enabler is its integrated NPU, which supports lightweight local AI processes without draining system resources. For students, researchers, and remote professionals, these features can automate meeting notes, provide accessibility tools, and even summarize class recordings, all in real time. Imagine sitting in a lecture or Zoom call and having the AI generate accurate summaries before you even hit “end meeting.”
This model also blurs the lines between personal use and professional-grade performance. While traditional HP laptops tend to leverage affordability or enterprise applications, the Omen Transcend is clearly tailored to the new hybrid reality, where one device needs to do it all. Whether you’re editing a report, streaming video, or reviewing lecture transcriptions, the AI onboard helps reduce manual work and improve information retention. While other HP offerings available on the market thrive on features like their Intel cores, the Transcend 14 sits in a premium class where AI is not just an add-on, but a defining feature.
Beyond hardware: the growing importance of built-in AI software
While third-party AI programs like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Midjourney get most of the spotlight, what’s less discussed (but equally impactful) is how AI is being built into laptops by default. This built-in integration means lower latency, better battery performance, and offline capabilities that cloud-dependent apps can’t match.
The emergence of Copilot+ PCs is driving this trend. Microsoft’s new AI hub highlights NPU-powered apps that can run independently of the internet, which is ideal for users who demand speed and privacy. AI companions like NVIDIA’s G-Assist show how even gaming laptops are using AI for live support, strategy tips, and settings optimization. Similarly, Qualcomm has predicted that NPUs will soon handle everything from video upscaling to voice-to-text translation in real time, all within the machine.
A wide range of AI applications are now optimized to run locally: from transcription tools and writing aids to photo editing and predictive text. And with companies like Microsoft and Apple investing heavily in AI-first architecture, the trend is accelerating. As per the Best Artificial Intelligence Software list, users now have access to dozens of AI software solutions, but those that integrate directly with a laptop’s NPU offer the smoothest experience.
The practical benefits of local AI in PCs include reduced cloud dependency, lower data privacy risks, and instantaneous task execution. For users juggling heavy workloads, multiple tabs, and creative projects, built-in AI means fewer lags, smarter suggestions, and more seamless workflows.
Final Thoughts
The AI PC market is maturing quickly, even if consumer adoption is still catching up. As more laptops roll out with dedicated NPUs and AI-native software, users can expect enhanced speed, smarter automation, and elevated creative and productivity experiences. Devices like the ASUS ProArt A16 and HP Omen Transcend 14 are leading this charge, not just because they include AI, but because they optimize for it. Looking ahead, AI in laptops will stop being a “feature” and become the default mode of interaction. Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or a hybrid worker, the machines we use are getting smarter, not in the abstract, but in practical, daily ways.
Choosing an AI PC today helps future-proof your workflow for the digital demands of tomorrow.