Microsoft hopes to leave a noticeably disappointing year behind and look forward to an AI-focused 2024 – one with next-gen Surface Laptop 6 and Surface Pro 10 “CADMUS PCs.”
As WindowsCentral reports, Microsoft is looking to deliver significant updates to its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models, featuring design refreshes and new CPU chips to rival Apple’s M-series silicon. Don’t just expect Intel 14 Gen CPUs; Surface products may also see Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series chips.
With Microsoft’s device VP Panos Panay leaving and an underwhelming Surface launch in 2023, the tech giant could use a big win. Bringing out its first “true next-gen AI PCs” could be just the ticket. Tipped to be announced in spring 2024, the next Surface Laptop 6 could give Apple’s MacBook Air a run for its money and be among the best laptops to kick off 2024.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 6
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop has been a solid choice for many over the years but has been outdone by its competition in the CPU department. Now, it’s set to be available in 14th gen Intel and Arm chips, both with next-gen NPU (neural processing unit) processors.
The Surface Laptop 6 reportedly comes with a custom Snapdragon X Series chip. This is apparently the one to keep your eyes on, as the report states that these Arm-based PCs are specifically built for Hudson Valley, the next version of Windows in 2024. Plus, they will come packed with next-gen AI experiences from Microsoft.
Known as “CADMUS PCs,” they will reportedly deliver similar specs to Apple’s popular custom silicon devices.
As for everything else the Surface Laptop 6 may have up its sleeve, the laptop is expected to get its first design revamp. This will bring rounded corners and thinner display bezels, but you can also expect a haptic touchpad and a Copilot button to access Windows Copilot, the AI-powered assistant.
Like previous models, it will come in two sizes: 15-inch and 13.8-inch. The latter is bigger than the Surface Laptop 5’s 13.5-inch display (and the MacBook Air’s 13.6-inch panel), while the former sticks with the same size. Other than this, there should be even more ports, including two USB-C and one USB-A port.
Whether we’ll see an overhaul to Microsoft’s Surface Laptop lineup in spring 2024 is still up in the air, but there’s a strong indication as to what’s to come.
Microsoft Surface Pro 10
Like its Laptop sibling, the Surface Pro 10 is also tipped as a “CADMUS PC,” among the first to be ready for Microsoft’s next Windows release. According to the report, it won’t be a major shift in design, but we can expect an upgraded display.
While the report claims Microsoft is trying out a 2160 x 1440 resolution display, lower than the current 2880 x 1920 on the Surface Pro 9, it is only for lower-priced models. This suggests we’ll get a range of models with different display types, with the pricier models keeping higher resolutions.
Otherwise, expect a brighter display on the Surface Pro 10, HDR support, an anti-reflective coating, and rounded corners. Microsoft may also deliver a bunch of colour options and a webcam with a broader field of view. To make it more AI-focused, of course, the report suggests a new Type Cover accessory with a Windows Copilot button will be announced.
If the Surface Laptop 6 is coming for the MacBook Air, you bet the Surface Pro 10 is aiming for the same, or even an iPad Pro with an M-series chip.
Other Microsoft Surface devices are rumoured, including the Surface Laptop Studio 2 slated for later in 2025. In the meantime, we have Microsoft’s next big AI-powered Surface Laptop and Surface Pro to check out.