Acer Unveils Powerful Predator Helios 18 AI Gaming Laptop With Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus

Credit: Acer

Acer unveiled its new flagship gaming laptop, the Predator Helios 18 AI (PH18-I71), at Computex 2026. This new notebook is aimed at enthusiast gamers and esports athletes who demand the ultimate desktop performance in a laptop form factor.

The Acer Predator Helios 18 AI laptop is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics accelerator. It offers up to 256GB of RAM and up to 6TB of built-in storage. The 18-inch Mini LED display with WQUXGA resolution delivers up to 1000 cd/m² of brightness in HDR mode and 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It supports seamless switching between 4K resolution at 120Hz and Full HD at 240Hz.

To keep the system cool under the heaviest workloads, two sixth-generation Predator AeroBlade 3D fans with dynamic fan control deliver 20% more airflow than conventional plastic fans. Vector heat pipes and liquid metal thermal paste further enhance cooling efficiency.

The laptop’s audio system utilizes Acer’s patented Predator Vox technology—a proprietary six-channel system that, according to the manufacturer, “improves waveform stability, enhances projection, and ensures distortion-free audio at high volumes.”

The Predator Helios 18 AI is equipped with Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro technology, which combines the Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750x and Intel Killer Ethernet E5000B network adapters to intelligently prioritize the most important network traffic. Two Thunderbolt 5 ports provide high throughput and seamless connectivity to any device.

The Predator Helios 18 AI measures 400.96 x 307.9 x 17.3–29.55 mm and weighs 3.5 kg. A 99 Wh battery provides battery life.

The Acer Predator Helios 18 AI (PH18-I71) will be available in North America and EMEA in August 2026. Pricing has not yet been announced.