At Display Week 2026, Intel played a key role in shaping the future of client computing by working closely with partners in the ecosystem, including OEMs, panel makers, software vendors, and silicon suppliers. David Naranjo, Associate Director at Counterpoint, sat down with Kunjal Parikh, Senior Principal Engineer for Ecosystem Development at Intel. They discuss how Intel and its partners are adapting to the fast-changing PC landscape, boosting AI PC adoption, and driving innovations in notebook displays, client platforms, and the overall computing experience.

The Interview 

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Key Takeaways from the Discussion

• As AI workloads increasingly shift to client computing, displays are becoming more important for OEMs. Higher refresh rates, color accuracy, low-power panels, and improved outdoor visibility are essential for next-generation AI PC experiences.
• OLED use in notebooks keeps growing, despite a general slowdown in the PC market. Panel makers are committed to investing in OLED technology, as they see notebooks as a long-term growth opportunity. Advances in efficiency, tandem OLED designs, and reduced power make OLEDs more practical for productivity-focused devices.
• Intel is positioning AI PCs with a focus on balanced platform optimization. Instead of just concentrating on raw TOPS performance, Intel emphasizes optimizing key areas like battery life, thermal management, display quality, connectivity, and software support.
• The supply chain and component costs remain significant challenges for the industry in 2026. Memory costs are rising, geopolitical issues are uncertain, and AI server demand continues to affect the bill of materials for client devices. OEMs are responding by carefully distinguishing between premium and mainstream products.

Analyst Take

• Intel continues to differentiate its AI PC strategy through ecosystem coordination and platform-level optimization rather than focusing only on peak AI performance metrics.
• As the PC market becomes increasingly segmented between mainstream and premium AI devices, Intel is emphasizing a balanced approach across AI acceleration, battery life, thermal efficiency, display technologies, connectivity, and software enablement.
• Intel’s strategy positions the company well within the broader client computing ecosystem as OEMs seek more optimized and differentiated AI PC experiences.
• OEMs are using advanced display technologies to differentiate products amid rising memory and component costs and a more challenging supply environment.
• The next phase of AI PC adoption will increasingly be shaped by the integration of hardware, software, AI capabilities, and user experience optimization across the ecosystem.