ASUS surprises at CES 2026 with the new Chromebook CM32 Detachable [VIDEO]

CES 2026, like other iterations of it in the past, had a nice surprise waiting for us in ASUS’ booth. The company managed to catch us off guard with an unannounced addition to their portable lineup. While we expected to see updates to their entry-level Chromebooks, the standout unveiling is undoubtedly the new ASUS Chromebook CM32 Detachable.

This device represents a solid step forward for the detachable Chromebook form factor, offering high-end display specs and a new generation of MediaTek power in a package that feels very refined.

A solid jump in display quality

The most immediate thing you notice about the CM32 is the screen. ASUS has moved to a 12.1-inch 2.5K (2560×1600) high-resolution touchscreen that hits an impressive 600 nits of brightness. This is a substantial upgrade from previous generations, making it one of the brightest detachable displays we’ve yet seen on a Chromebook.

Furthermore, they’ve included a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring that system animations and stylus input are incredibly fluid. The panel is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 with an anti-fingerprint coating, offering four times the scratch resistance of standard glass and keeping the 87% screen-to-body ratio looking clean during heavy touch use.

Improved performance and refined accessories

Under the hood, the CM32 is powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor, paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB of storage. This updated chip is expected to provide a noticeable performance boost over the previous generation while maintaining the efficiency needed for up to 13 hours of battery life. Connectivity is equally forward-thinking, with support for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

Additionally, the detachable magnetic keyboard features 1.35mm of key travel and a trackpad that feels significantly better than its predecessors. One of the most interesting additions is the optional USI 2.0 stylus, which attaches magnetically to the back of the device for wireless charging. While the attachment point differs slightly from competitors like the Lenovo Duet, the magnetic case holds it securely in place while it powers up.

Built for resilience

Durability is a major focus for this release, as the CM32 has been tested to meet the rigorous US MIL-STD 810H standards. For users in education or healthcare who need extra protection, ASUS is offering an “Impact Shield” kickstand back that offers a ruggedized bumper designed to absorb everyday drops and scrapes.

Refreshed CM14 and CM15 models

Alongside the flagship detachable, ASUS also provided updates for the Chromebook CM14 and CM15. These devices share the same MediaTek Kompanio 540 heart as the CM32 but follow a more traditional laptop design. They feature FHD wide-angle displays, two USB-C ports, and an HDMI port for easy external connectivity. A unique feature for these models is a tool-free latching battery system, which simplifies maintenance and upgrades—a clear win for school districts managing large fleets of devices.

While ASUS hasn’t officially confirmed pricing or a specific release date for the CM32 Detachable, we expect to see it hit shelves sometime in the second quarter of 2026. Assuming the pricing remains competitive, the combination of a 120Hz screen, WiFi 7, and the improved Kompanio 540 performance makes this one of the most exciting detachables we’ve seen in a while.