Microsoft May Introduce Smaller Surface Devices Around Its 50th Anniversary
Microsoft could be preparing to launch smaller Surface devices in the coming weeks, possibly around or shortly after its 50th anniversary on April 4, according to a recent report.
Earlier this year, Windows Central reported that Microsoft was working on smaller versions of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop. Now, new certifications from China suggest that these devices may be moving toward production, adding weight to the earlier speculation. The report indicates that these compact Surfaces will feature 12-inch displays, marking a shift in Microsoft’s hardware lineup.
Currently, the Surface Pro 11th Edition has a 13-inch display, while the Surface Laptop 7th Edition comes in 13.8-inch and 15-inch sizes. A 12-inch Surface Laptop would introduce a third option, making it the first time Microsoft has offered three screen sizes for its Laptop series. Windows Central speculates that this new model could replace the Surface Laptop Go, a more affordable and compact alternative to the standard Surface Laptop.
Microsoft has not officially confirmed these new Surface devices or whether they will be available for business users. However, based on Microsoft’s current strategy, it is likely that consumer-focused Surface models will continue using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform, while business-oriented versions may stick with Intel’s X86 processors. This aligns with Microsoft’s cautious approach to AI-driven hardware adoption in enterprise environments.
That said, these smaller Surface devices may not bring significant hardware upgrades. Qualcomm’s second-generation Oryon CPU core, unveiled last year, promises performance surpassing Intel’s upcoming Lunar Lake chips, even at smartphone power levels. However, given that smaller laptops and tablets often prioritize battery life over raw power, a Snapdragon X Plus chip seems like a more probable candidate for these new models.
With Microsoft’s 50th anniversary approaching, the company is expected to reflect on its legacy while charting its future with AI-driven innovations. Could new Surface announcements be part of that celebration? Only time will tell.
