On October 12, Microsoft will conduct its annual autumn Surface event, and it looks like it will be busier than usual. Not only have new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models been rumoured, but also a long-delayed Surface Studio update and perhaps a small desktop. However, how likely are they to succeed? We’ll let you know what to anticipate.
Surface Pro 9
A Microsoft hardware announcement almost wouldn’t be complete without a new tablet, and the Surface Pro 9 could be one of the most significant revisions to the lineup in recent memory. According to insiders at Windows Central, the new model will include both the Surface Pro X and the standard Pro line. If so, a first for the Pro series, you may choose between CPU architectures without changing form factors.
No matter whatever chip is inside, you can get a considerable speed increase. According to the same sources, Surface Pro 9 models running on Intel will have 12th-generation Core i5 and i7 U-series CPUs (which are significantly quicker than the Pro 8’s 11th-gen components), while ARM variants will supposedly use the SQ3, a specialised Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 chip. Microsoft could maintain the previous maximums of 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, even though cellular variants reportedly enable 5G.
Just don’t anticipate many external changes. A 13-inch 120Hz display, two Thunderbolt 4 connections, a front 5-megapixel camera, a back 10-megapixel camera, and compatibility for the Slim Pen 2 are all features that the Surface Pro 9 will reportedly share with its predecessor, according to sources. We loved the Pro 8 last year, so this design may be an iteration. It just comes down to whether or not the price is fair. WinFuture asserts that a Core i5 version with 256GB of storage may cost the equivalent of $1,300 in Europe, albeit this may not accurately represent American prices.
Surface Laptop 5
The Surface Laptop hasn’t undergone any changes from Microsoft since spring 2021, thus an update is overdue. Fortunately, one seems to be in the works. A Surface Laptop 5 reportedly has some little but significant changes is in the works, according to sources at Windows Central and WinFuture.
The Core i5 and i7 CPUs included in the 13.5- and 15-inch portable computers offer real advancements over older models. WinFuture reports that there won’t be any Surface Laptop 5 models with AMD Ryzen processors, which may be the most significant difference. However, the device could be the first to enable Thunderbolt 4.
Similar to its tablet predecessor, the Surface Laptop 5’s design may not alter much. Apart from a potential sage green colour choice taken from the Laptop Go 2, leaked information does not predict any aesthetic improvements. That won’t be an issue if you appreciate Microsoft’s simplistic design, but if you prefer the XPS 13 Plus or MacBook Air M2, it could be disappointing. This is especially true given the device’s projected $1,200 asking price in Europe.
Surface Studio 3
It would be an understatement to suggest that Microsoft has ignored the Surface Studio. The all-in-one desktop’s most current iteration was produced in 2018, and its technical specs are hopelessly out of date. But lately, Windows Central expressed some optimism after learning that a Surface Studio 3 is finally on the road.
According to rumours, the new PC will utilise the well-known (but smart) chassis from the original two Studios, as well as its distinctive tilting, stylus-friendly 28-inch display. Instead, Microsoft will concentrate on the internals, updating to an 11th-generation Core i7 CPU with Thunderbolt 4 connections (sorry, no 12th-generation here). Along with Dolby Atmos audio and Dolby Vision HDR graphics, there could also be an upgraded camera.
It’s possible that there will be some obvious exclusions. The Surface Studio 3 might not have an SD card port, and it might only come in one 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD version. The updated computer could be specifically targeted at creative professionals who desire a pen-friendly display and are ready to pay for the opportunity, like with its predecessors. Although the price hasn’t been revealed as of this writing, it will undoubtedly be high given the specifications.
Wildcards: A mini PC and Surface accessories
You might need to lower your expectations this year since these events occasionally feature unexpected surprises (who would have thought the Surface Laptop Studio would be introduced?). The Project Volterra release, a small desktop geared at programmers creating ARM-native Windows programmes with AI capabilities, may be the biggest treat. It won’t thus be the Surface’s counterpart of the Mac mini.
Perhaps the only other attractions are the accessories. Images of what he claims are improved Surface Keyboard and Surface Pen versions, which might be included with the Surface Studio 3 in addition to being sold separately, were recently posted by Windows Central’s Zac Bowden. There could also be a new version of the Surface Mouse. Bowden added that you could see a “premium” speaker in addition to a remote focused on Teams, but nothing more is known about them.
Other Surface PCs or mobile devices are not something we would rely on. Microsoft discontinued the Surface Neo in 2020, and there have been no rumours of a Surface Duo 3 phone. For that matter, it is difficult to see a Surface Go revision. In the absence of any surprises, this event seems to be mostly focused on core Surface products.
