LG reveals 2026 gram Pro laptops built around Aerominum

LG Electronics is using CES 2026 to refresh its LG gram lineup, and the company is clearly leaning into two ideas it thinks still matter in a sea of heavier, louder laptops: portability and practicality. The 2026 LG gram models introduce a new material called Aerominum, along with expanded on-device and cloud-based AI features that LG says are meant to boost productivity rather than just pad a spec sheet.

The big change is Aerominum itself. LG describes it as a newly developed composition designed to cut weight while improving structural strength. In plain English, it is meant to keep the gram identity intact… extremely light laptops that do not feel flimsy in daily use. LG says the new chassis improves scratch resistance and meets military-grade durability standards, which is notable given how thin and light the gram line traditionally is. The refined metallic finish also gives the laptops a more premium look, something earlier grams sometimes lacked compared to aluminum-heavy competitors.

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LG is also pushing what it calls dual AI. That means a combination of on-device AI and cloud-based AI, giving users the option to run certain tasks locally without an internet connection or lean on cloud services when needed. Select models support Copilot+ PC features, alongside LG’s own gram chat on-device AI powered by the upgraded EXAONE 3.5 small language model. The pitch here is privacy and responsiveness. Tasks that do not require the cloud can stay on the device, while more complex requests can still tap online resources.

Beyond AI, LG continues to focus on ecosystem integration. An updated gram Link feature allows file sharing, screen mirroring, and content transfer across Android, iOS, and LG’s own webOS devices, including TVs, monitors, and projectors. LG is positioning this as a universal hub that cuts across operating systems, which is ambitious, even if real-world reliability will matter more than marketing language. On the security side, LG ThinQ lets users remotely lock or erase a lost laptop, a feature that feels less flashy but far more useful.

Two specific models stand out in the 2026 lineup. The LG gram Pro 17, model 17Z90UR, is being billed as the world’s lightest 17-inch RTX laptop. LG claims it delivers 17-inch performance in a body closer to a typical 16-inch device, which would appeal to users who want a large display without carrying a workstation-class brick. The system features a 17-inch WQXGA display at 2560 by 1600 resolution, aimed at both productivity and media consumption.

Powering the gram Pro 17 is an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 laptop GPU with 8GB of GDDR7 memory. That positions it for content creation and light gaming rather than hardcore gaming workloads, which is probably a realistic match for the gram audience. LG is not trying to turn the gram into a gaming monster. It is trying to give creative users enough GPU headroom without sacrificing portability.

The LG gram Pro 16, model 16Z90U, takes a slightly different approach. LG calls it the lightest 16-inch laptop in its class to support both on-device and cloud-based AI. It features a 16-inch WQXGA+ OLED display at 2880 by 1800 resolution, which should offer better contrast and color than the LCD panel used in the 17-inch model. The system is powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, focusing on efficiency and responsiveness for everyday multitasking.

Taken together, the 2026 LG gram lineup feels like an evolution rather than a reinvention. LG is doubling down on what has always defined the gram brand: light weight, long-term portability, and now a more polished build. The AI additions are interesting, but the real test will be whether users actually find gram chat and dual AI workflows useful, or if they end up ignored like so many bundled software features.

Availability details are limited for now, but LG has confirmed that the 17Z90UR model will be available exclusively in North America. Pricing has not been announced yet, though gram laptops have traditionally landed in the premium category, especially for larger display sizes.

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Brian Fagioli

Technology journalist and founder of NERDS.xyz

Brian Fagioli is a technology journalist and founder of NERDS.xyz. A former BetaNews writer, he has spent over a decade covering Linux, hardware, software, cybersecurity, and AI with a no nonsense approach for real nerds.

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