ROG Zephyrus Duo is a dual-screen laptop for gamers and creators

The Dual-Screen Revolution: Beyond ASUS, What’s Next for Foldable & Multi-Display Laptops?

ASUS’s unveiling of the updated Zenbook Duo and the gaming-focused ROG Zephyrus Duo at CES 2026 isn’t just about two new laptops. It’s a signal flare for a broader trend: the rise of multi-display and foldable computing. While dual-screen laptops have been experimented with for years, advancements in display technology, processing power, and software optimization are finally making them a viable – and increasingly desirable – option for a wider audience.

From Niche to Mainstream: The Evolution of Multi-Display

Early attempts at dual-screen laptops often felt like gimmicks. Limited battery life, bulky designs, and software that didn’t fully leverage the second screen hampered adoption. However, the latest generation, exemplified by the ASUS models, addresses many of these concerns. OLED technology delivers vibrant visuals and improved power efficiency. Intel’s latest processors, with integrated AI capabilities, can intelligently distribute workloads across multiple displays. And crucially, operating systems are becoming more adept at managing and optimizing multi-screen experiences.

But ASUS isn’t alone. Microsoft’s Surface Duo and other emerging form factors demonstrate a growing interest in flexible displays and alternative laptop designs. According to a recent report by Statista, foldable device shipments are projected to reach 74.4 million units by 2027, indicating a strong consumer appetite for flexible form factors that could easily translate to laptops.

The Rise of AI-Powered Multi-Tasking

The integration of AI is arguably the biggest game-changer for multi-display laptops. Imagine a scenario where your laptop automatically recognizes you’re in a video conference and intelligently moves relevant applications – notes, presentation slides, chat windows – to the second screen. Or a graphic designer seamlessly extending their canvas across both displays, with AI assisting in color correction and image optimization.

Intel’s Neural Processing Units (NPUs), as seen in the new Zenbook Duo, are key to enabling these experiences. These dedicated AI processors handle tasks like background noise cancellation, facial recognition, and intelligent application management, freeing up the CPU and GPU for more demanding workloads. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about unlocking new levels of productivity and creativity.

Beyond Laptops: The Expanding Multi-Screen Ecosystem

The impact of multi-display technology extends beyond laptops. We’re already seeing it in:

• Portable Monitors: Lightweight, USB-C powered monitors are becoming increasingly popular for remote workers and digital nomads.
• Foldable Tablets: Devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab Fold are blurring the lines between tablets and laptops, offering a versatile multi-screen experience.
• Automotive Displays: Next-generation cars are incorporating multiple displays for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle control.

This interconnected ecosystem suggests a future where screens are no longer confined to a single device, but rather seamlessly integrated into our environment.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite the promising outlook, several challenges remain. Software compatibility is a major hurdle. Developers need to optimize their applications for multi-display environments to ensure a smooth and intuitive user experience. Battery life remains a concern, particularly for devices with multiple high-resolution displays. And the cost of these technologies is still relatively high, limiting accessibility for some consumers.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation. Advancements in battery technology, such as solid-state batteries, could significantly extend battery life. Standardized APIs and development tools could simplify software optimization. And as production costs decrease, multi-display devices will become more affordable.

The Future is Flexible: What to Expect in the Next 5 Years

Looking ahead, here’s what we can expect to see:

• More Foldable Laptops: Expect to see more manufacturers experimenting with foldable displays, creating laptops that can transform from a compact tablet to a full-sized workstation.
• Seamless Cross-Device Integration: Multi-display experiences will extend beyond individual devices, allowing users to seamlessly transition between their laptop, tablet, and smartphone.
• AI-Powered Adaptive Interfaces: Operating systems will become more intelligent, automatically adapting the user interface based on the number of displays and the tasks being performed.
• Holographic Displays: While still in its early stages, holographic display technology could eventually eliminate the need for physical screens altogether, creating truly immersive and interactive computing experiences.

The ASUS Zenbook Duo and ROG Zephyrus Duo are just the beginning. The dual-screen revolution is underway, and it promises to fundamentally change the way we interact with technology.