MSI has made several changes to its Prestige 16 laptop for the 2026 model year. The new version, called the Prestige 16 AI+ C3MTG, replaces the 2025 Prestige 16 AI Evo B2HMG. The updates include a new processor, a different display, and a thinner chassis, but also some notable removals.
Panther Lake CPU and OLED display headline the 2026 update.
The 2026 model upgrades the CPU to Intel Panther Lake, up to a Core Ultra X9. It switches from an IPS panel to an OLED display. The laptop is thinner at 13.9 mm compared to 18.95 mm, but heavier at 1.64 kg versus 1.56 kg. The clickpad grows to 16 x 10 cm from 15 x 9 cm. However, the 2026 model removes the numpad, reduces storage to a single M.2 2280 SSD, and drops the Kensington lock, RJ-45 Ethernet, and SD card reader. The battery capacity decreases from 99.9 Wh to 81 Wh.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Prestige 16 AI Evo B2HMG (2025) | Prestige 16 AI+ C3MTG (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Meteor Lake (up to Core Ultra 9) | Panther Lake (up to Core Ultra X9) |
| Display | IPS | OLED |
| Battery | 99.9 Wh | 81 Wh |
| Thickness | 18.95 mm | 13.9 mm |
| Weight | 1.56 kg | 1.64 kg |
The 2026 Prestige 16 retains a 3.5 mm headset jack, two USB-A 3.2 Gen. 1 ports, HDMI 2.1, and two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports with DisplayPort and Power Delivery. It comes with a 65 W AC adapter and offers a WLAN runtime of 12.6 hours. The dimensions are 13.9 x 357.7 x 254.3 mm.
Compared to the 2025 model, the 2026 version sacrifices some connectivity and battery life for a thinner design and an OLED screen. The removal of the numpad and the reduction to a single SSD slot may affect users who need those features. MSI has not confirmed pricing or availability for the 2026 Prestige 16.
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