Microsoft is reportedly working on the next generation of Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models, which will feature both updated designs and improved hardware.
This leaked information comes from Windows Central whose sources claim that the company is currently developing the Surface Laptop 6 and Surface Pro 10. What's interesting about these two is that there will be multiple versions of both, with either an Intel Meteor Lake CPU or a custom Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor. Windows Central's sources are “particularly excited” because laptops with that CPU will take advantage of the multitude of AI-powered features that Microsoft plans to add in Windows' 2024 update. It's not entirely clear if this will be the rumored Windows 12, although it is possible. Additionally, Microsoft wants to build the custom Snapdragon X chip as a worthy competitor to Apple Silicon “with comparable battery life, performance and security.”
It's unknown if the Meteor Lake versions will have any special features beyond using a “next-gen NPU (neural processing unit)” for improved performance. The leak does not go into detail in that regard.
Individual changes
Separately, both devices will reportedly see changes, with the Surface Laptop 6 bringing a more drastic refresh.
The report claims it will have thinner bezels around the display, rounded corners and extra ports. It's unknown how many ports there will be in total, but there will at least be two USB-C inputs and a USB-A port, in addition to a “Surface Connect magnetic charging device (plug).” According to Windows Central, this computer will be available in two different sizes (13.8 inches and 15 inches). Additionally, Microsoft plans to add a haptic touchpad plus a dedicated button to quickly launch the Windows Copilot AI assistant.
The Surface Pro 10, on the other hand, will apparently stick close to the design of previous models, with the more “significant changes coming” to the screen. Windows Central states that the screen is made brighter, supports HDR content and is covered with an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare. The report further says that Microsoft is testing a mid-range version of the Pro 10 with a Quad HD resolution (2,160 x 1,440 pixels) display. The more expensive version retains the 2,880 x 1,920 pixel resolution screen that the series is known for.
Other notable features include an NFC reader for business users, a wider FoV (field of view) webcam, and a dedicated Copilot button.
None of the sources reveal when these computers will be released, other than to say they will be released sometime later this year; possibly around the same time as the Windows 2024 patch. Also no word on how much each will cost.
Plans for the future
Everything so far includes Microsoft's Surface plans for 2024, but there will be more next year.
Windows Central claims that the Surface Pro tablets will see a “major design update” in late 2025, as well as a new 11-inch model. They then indicate that the company is also working on the Surface Laptop Studio 3. Details are currently scarce, though the company may offer the Studio 3 in a Meteor Lake and Snapdragon X CPU configuration, similar to the Surface Pro 10.
2023 was an interesting year for Microsoft. It wasn't the best for the tech giant, but you could say it was a year where the company took its time laying the groundwork for what's to come in 2024. To hear more of our thoughts, check out Ny Breaking's Microsoft in 2023 annual review.