Framework has updated its compact, repairable Laptop 12 with Intel's new Core Series 3 CPUs, Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 7, and faster DDR5-6400 memory support. The refresh addresses long-standing criticisms of outdated internals, with pre-orders open now and Batch 1 shipping in early October 2026.
Framework has refreshed its compact Laptop 12 with Intel's latest Core Series 3 processors, moving past the outdated 13th-gen Intel chips that had drawn criticism since launch. According to TechPowerUp, buyers can now choose between the Core 3 304, Core 5 320, or Core 7 350, all six-core parts with 2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. The update also adds two Thunderbolt 4-capable USB-C ports in the rear expansion bays, opening the door to eGPU support and other high-speed peripherals, along with Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.
Framework says the upgrade brings real efficiency gains, claiming a 70% increase in battery life during a 4K Netflix streaming test when comparing the new Core 5 320 to the outgoing Core i5-1334U. The laptop also gains a backlit keyboard option with a programmable ZMK firmware controller, standard on Core 5 and Core 7 prebuilt Fedora configurations, and a fingerprint reader is now available per Digital Trends. Memory support has also improved, with the single DDR5 SODIMM slot now supporting speeds up to DDR5-6400 and capacities up to 64GB, though the laptop remains limited to one memory slot.
Some limitations persist. There's still no Intel Core Ultra X7 358H option or Arc B390 iGPU, and the two non-Thunderbolt USB ports remain capped at USB 3.2 Gen 2. Digital Trends also notes the 12.2-inch 60Hz LCD display carries over unchanged, with a relatively limited 50% NTSC color gamut — a notable weak point given competition from devices like Apple's MacBook Neo, which Digital Trends reports offers a larger, sharper 13-inch display at a similar starting price. Framework's pitch remains repairability and upgradeability: swappable expansion cards, replaceable M.2 storage, and upgradeable DDR5 memory, features that soldered-component competitors don't offer.
What We Know
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| CPU Options | Intel Core 3 304, Core 5 320, Core 7 350 (six-core, 2x P-Cores, 4x E-Cores) |
| Connectivity | Two Thunderbolt 4-capable USB-C ports (rear expansion bays), remaining ports USB 3.2 Gen 2, all four expansion slots support USB-PD |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Memory | One DDR5 SODIMM slot, up to 64GB of DDR5-6400 |
| Battery Life Claim | Framework claims 70% longer 4K Netflix playback battery life switching from Core i5-1334U to Core 5 320 |
| Keyboard | New backlit keyboard option with programmable ZMK firmware controller; standard on Core 5/Core 7 prebuilt Fedora units |
| Barebones Pricing | Starts at $549 (Core 3 304), $779 (Core 5 320), $999 (Core 7 350), before RAM/storage |
| Shipping | Batch 1 of Core Series 3 models expected to ship in early October 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPUs does the updated Framework Laptop 12 use?
It uses Intel's Core Series 3 chips: the Core 3 304, Core 5 320, or Core 7 350, each a six-core design with 2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores.
Does the Framework Laptop 12 now support Thunderbolt 4?
Yes, two of the four expansion card bays now support Thunderbolt 4, enabling eGPU connections and other high-speed peripherals.
How much battery life improvement does Framework claim with the new CPUs?
Framework claims a 70% increase in battery life during a 4K Netflix video playback test when comparing the Core 5 320 to the previous Core i5-1334U.
When does the updated Framework Laptop 12 start shipping?
Batch 1 of the Core Series 3 Framework Laptop 12 is expected to start shipping in early October 2026.
