We discuss the launch date & release date of the upcoming Intel 14th gen laptop CPU range, known as Intel Meteor Lake aka Intel Core Ultra
Updated: Dec 14, 2023 3:49 pm
WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
The Intel Ultra Core launch took place on December the 14th, with a big surprise: the Intel Core Ultra release date aka Intel Meteor Lake release date turned out to be the same day! Although many of these devices will only be hitting the shelves over the coming months, the first of these devices are available right now from select retailers.
After much debate on what the new Intel 14th gen laptop CPU range would be known as, what was previously referred to as the Meteor Lake range is officially designated as the Intel Core Ultra series of processors. These chips are similar to the previous 13th gen models in terms of pure, unadulterated CPU performance, but where they excel is in three areas: improved integrated graphics performance (supposedly beating the current AMD Ryzen market leaders), revolutionary AI technology focused within the NPU, and, in part due to this AI uplift, greatly increased energy efficiency.
We’ll be updating our main Intel 14th gen laptop guide with all the latest information, plus listing all the best of the new laptop range once they’re actually reviewed to help you make the right choice as a consumer.
When will the Intel Ultra Core CPUs be unveiled?
The Meteor Lake laptop launch date aka Intel Core Ultra launch date hwas been confirmed as December 14th (Intel 14th gen on the 14th – makes sense) by Intel themselves, most recently in their press release for the AI Everywhere Event, which will also, as you’d expect from the name, cover the development of the company into AI tech. You can watch the live event from the Intel Newsroom at 3PM GMT / 10AM EST / 7AM PST.
When is the actual Intel Ultra Core release date / Intel Meteor Lake release date?
*NEW* As discussed, the initial release of Intel Ultra Core powered products products turned out to be earlier than we initially thought – hitting the shelves on the 14th December itself immediately after the launch event. That being said, these are just the earliest releases, we expect the vast majority of devices with these chips to come out over the next few months, with many no doubt being shown off at CES24.
*OLD* Most likely we’ll see the actual Meteor Lake laptop release date arrive later at some point in Jan 2024, though perhaps earlier. Good ol’ Jarrod of JarrodsTech apparently has it on good authority that we’ll see some Intel 14th gen laptops unveiled at CES 2024 in January (we don’t know his sources, but Jarrod is usually on the money), and regardless of when the first one comes out, historical precedent suggests the majority will release gradually throughout H1 2024. Intel themselves have laid out the schedule of their CES24 appearance, but most of the laptops themselves will probably be shown off by the individual brands that produce them.
As reported by Digitaltrends, there are some rumors we could see the first models released as early as December 18th, which would be the Monday four days after the launch, this is following some leaks on NewEgg of the pricing a range of MSI 14th gen-powered laptops. Intel may wish to do this to take advantage of some last-minute Christmas shopping demand, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Christmas laptop deals
Intel Ultra Core laptop release date FAQs
When is the Intel Ultra Core release date?
This range will be the first of the Intel Core Ultra range as the brand is re-naming them. Previously these laptop CPUs were referred to as Meteor Lake but it appears that is no longer part of the marketing.
The initial release turned out to be on the same day as the launch/reveal event, on the 14th of December, although most products will be hitting the shelves at a later date.
Will Meteor Lake be faster than Raptor Lake?
Intel have said that the Meteor Lake will be approximately the same as the Raptor Lake (Intel 13th gen) range of laptop CPUs in terms of pure CPU performance, however it will be up to twice as energy efficient, plus will come with substantial improvements to the onboard graphics).
