On October 12th, Microsoft is gearing up to unveil the latest iterations of their acclaimed Surface hardware lineup. From the foldable Surface Studio to the detachable Surface Pro tablet, these premium devices have proven a rare bright spot for a declining PC industry.
Let‘s analyze what upgrades and entirely new form factors may emerge based on all the rumors swirling! I‘ll also provide essential context around Microsoft‘s Surface track record and how they may fare against offerings from Apple and others. Whether you‘re an enterprise IT admin or consumer pondering future purchases, there‘s plenty of intriguing possibilities ahead!
A Quick History of Surface Milestones
Before speculating on the future, let‘s reflect on past Surface launches to better understand Microsoft‘s strategy. Take a quick walk with me down memory lane!
Surface RT – Microsoft‘s first ever tablet arrived in 2012 running a limited Windows 8 RT variant. Its build quality impressed but slow sales reflected consumer confusion over the operating system.
Surface Pro 3– This 2014 release really established the blueprint for future Surface Pro tablets with its built-in kickstand and detachable keyboard covers. The refined design language and move to Intel processors greatly boosted capabilities.
Surface Book– For Microsoft‘s first ever laptop in 2015, they delivered a unique 2-in-1 design featuring a detachable display via "dynamic fulcrum" hinge. While premium priced, it showed Microsoft‘s desire to push boundaries.
Surface Studio– This ambitious all-in-one PC for creators launched in 2016 gained acclaim for its ultra-thin display enabling drawing via touch or Surface Pen at steep angles via patented hinge.
You get the picture – Surface represents Microsoft striving to deliver premium experiences that set themselves apart from traditional vendors through clever integration of hardware and software capabilities.
When they nail the recipe just right in terms of aesthetics, performance, and pricing, Surface devices sell quite respectably too. The Surface Pro 8 shows strong commercial reception andSurface Pro lifetime sales exceeded $10 billion as of early 2022!
Let‘s see if Microsoft can extend this Surface success story with the latest generation…
Surface Pro 9 Rumored as a Radical Overhaul
The Surface Pro 8 arrived just over a year ago in fall 2021 bringing iterative improvements like Intel‘s 11th Gen Tiger Lake processors and Thunderbolt 4 support. But recent leaks point towards the Surface Pro 9 taking a much bolder step forward!
Respected sources like Zac Bowden at Windows Central report Microsoft is finally ready to incorporate ARM-based processors supplied by Qualcomm as new configuration options beside traditional Intel CPUs. This shift could enable always-connected cellular 5G capabilities for the first time ever on Surface Pro, bringing tablet mobility up a level.
Let‘s compare the rumored Surface Pro 9‘s key specs versus the preceding three generations:
| Specifications | Surface Pro 9 (Rumored) | Surface Pro 8 | Surface Pro 7+ | Surface Pro 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2022 | 2021 | 2021 | 2019 |
| Display | 13" 2880 x 1920, 120Hz Option | 13" 2880 x 1920, 120Hz | 12.3" 2736 x 1824, 60Hz | 12.3” 2736 x 1824, 60Hz |
| Processor | 12th Gen Intel OR ARM-Based Qualcomm | 11th Gen Intel | 10th Gen Intel | 10th Gen Intel |
| Memory | Up to 16GB | Up to 16GB | Up to 32GB | Up to 16GB |
| Storage | Up to 1TB | Up to 1TB | Up to 1TB | Up to 1TB |
| Ports | 2x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, Headphone Jack, NanoSIM (LTE/5G) | 2x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, Headphone Jack | USB-C, USB-A, Headphone Jack | USB-C, USB-A, Headphone Jack |
| Battery Life | 19 Hours Advertised | 16 Hours Advertised | 15 Hours Advertised | 10.5 Hours Advertised |
Reviewing the above chart, we see the Surface Pro 9 looks to retain the slim form factor, screen size, and other fundamentals fans appreciate. But under the hood, the processor flexibility to accommodate ARM or traditional Intel opens up key opportunities:
- Integrated 5G connectivity for those opting into the Qualcomm Snapdragon compute platform
- Enhanced battery life exceeding 20 hours based on Qualcomm and Microsoft‘s optimizations
- Wider range of performance based on workload with Intel still there for pure CPU-heavy tasks
Microsoft already leverages Qualcomm Snapdragon hardware on their Surface Pro X model – but limiting compatibility to only 64-bit apps hindered reception. By retaining Intel support too on Surface Pro 9, they leave no compromise in application compatibility.
If these rumors play out, this represents Microsoft‘s boldest shake-up to their most successful Surface product line yet. This flexible new hybrid architecture could widen Pro adoption from enterprise globally supporting remote workers to everyday consumers embracing 5G.
Surface Laptop 5 Fleet Primed for Speed
Meanwhile on the traditional clamshell laptop side, Microsoft looks ready to push their Surface Laptop line further upmarket with the 16:10 touch displays while still keeping starting prices around $999.
Windows Central‘s Zac Bowden hears the Surface Laptop 5 will land in both 13.5” and 15” variations – but this time possibly skipping AMD processor options that previously offered more wallet-friendly configurations.
Instead Microsoft would standardize on 12th Gen Intel processors, with the smaller model adopting U15 cores for balance and the 15” version ratcheting all the way up to the latest 14 core i7-12700H packaged alongside discrete RTX graphics making it far more performant for creative workloads.
Let‘s see how the rumored specs size up against past models:
| Specifications | Surface Laptop 5 (Rumored) | Surface Laptop 4 | Surface Laptop 3 | Surface Laptop 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2022 | 2021 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Display Size | 13.5" or 15" | 13.5" or 15" | 13.5" or 15" | 13.5" |
| Screen Resolution | 2400 x 1600, 201 PPI, 120 Hz Refresh Rate | 2256 x 1504, 201 PPI, 60Hz | 2256 x 1504, 201 PPI, 60Hz | 2256 x 1504, 201 PPI, 60Hz |
| Processor | 12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 (U15 or H-Series) | 11th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 OR Ryzen 5/7 | 10th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 OR Ryzen 5/7 | 8th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 |
| Memory | Up to 32GB LPDDR5 | Up to 32GB | Up to 16GB | Up to 16GB |
| Storage | Up to 1TB PCIe SSD | Up to 1TB | Up to 1TB | Up to 1TB |
| Starting Price | $999 Estimated | $999 | $999 | $899 |
Analyzing the specs above, we see steady progression towards faster components, more maximum memory, and enhanced displays. The jump to 12th Gen Intel processors coupled with doubling the screen refresh rate to 120Hz signals more gaming and multimedia versatility from the Surface Laptop 5.
And availability of potent H-Series processors plus up to 32GB RAM/1TB storage on the 15" means it can truly replace high-end PCs for tasks like video editing entirely while on the go. Considering Apple‘s base 14” & 16” MacBook Pros still hover at $1999 and up, Microsoft could offer serious value to creatives here.
Will We Finally Get a Surface Studio 3?
While the spotlight shines brightest on updates to Microsoft‘s mass market Surface Pro and Laptop models that make up over 85% of their Surface business, enthusiasts on the edges await any surprise new additions to round out the portfolio with unique form factors.
All eyes turn towards a potential successor to their creator-focused Surface Studio – last refreshed nearly 4 years ago in late 2018. The original Surface Studio launched back in 2016 stood out with its ultra-thin 28" display perched atop a zero gravity hinge allowing the screen to tilt down nearly flat for comfortable drafting/drawing use cases.
However, since Apple‘s 24" iMac redesign last year sporting a range of colors and miniLED screen option backed by M1 Pro performance, the Surface Studio 2 already seems dated with its static design and Intel processors now 5 generations behind.
Many speculate Microsoft could be overhauling their premium all-in-one with a slimmer chassis while retaining the distinctive hinge for the intended creative audience. Yet leaks around a Surface Studio 3 remain quiet and I‘d still peg odds of an update in October 2022 at just 40% given long development cycles.
If Microsoft pulls the curtain back on a Surface Studio successor, expect higher resolution display paired with 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processors minimum and NVIDIA RTX 3080 graphics to justify a steep $3500+ pricing. 1080p webcam and more peripheral ports would also help overcome current model limitations. But aside from foreseeable upgrades, Microsoft may have larger innovations in the works we won‘t see until a "Studio 4" down the road.
Closing Thoughts on the Road Ahead
Stepping back, it‘s clear Microsoft intends to push Surface hardware into greater mobility and versatility roles while retaining the premium fit and finish they‘re recognized for. If even a fraction of the most credible rumors around the Surface Pro 9 and Laptop 5 come true, they stand to open the lineup appeal to far more customers than prior generations.
Of course with PC sales stagnating industrywide in the wake of record pandemic demand, Microsoft faces uphill battle to spark consumer interest in new form factors rather than mere specification bumps. Software and accessory add-ons like Surface Pens and Dial controllers already tie closely to Surface identity as well and may see updates.
At minimum, I expect Microsoft to deliver on expectations with the next iterations of Surface Pro and Laptop given reliable sourcing. But don‘t rule out a wild card announcement beyond the roadmap either as they look to differentiate against Apple‘s relentless cadence of silicon and industrial design advancements across MacBooks and iPads.
I don‘t know about you, but I‘m truly excited to tune into the October 12th Surface keynote and analyze just what this hardware powerhouse has in store for its fans! Got any hot takes or expectations yourself? Let me know in the comments down below!
