Microsoft Readies 'Next-Gen' AI-Focused Surface Pro 10, Surface Laptop 6

Microsoft is making major updates to its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop lines with improved designs, new features, and next-gen silicon. The multinational technology corporation will add new AI-powered features to its upcoming devices in the Surface lineup. 

According to a report by Windows Central, the upcoming Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 will be powered by Intel and ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, with both variants featuring next-gen Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI computing boost.

The report stated that internally Microsoft is referring to the ARM devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X-series chips as ‘CADMUS’ PCs.

The devices would likely be built specifically for the next version of Windows, which is internally at Microsoft being referred to as ‘Hudson Valley’. The upcoming Windows is expected to bring next-gen AI features integrated. It would likely be released next year.

Microsoft believes that CADMUS PCs can compete with Apple Silicon powered devices with similar battery life, performance and security – according to the report.

Microsoft is expected to unveil the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 next year before the launch of the Next Windows system, which is likely scheduled for late 2024. In terms of design changes, the company is not expected to make significant changes for Surface devices in 2024. However, a refreshed version of Surface Laptop Studio could launch in early 2025.

The report also mentions expected key specifications for the upcoming Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6. Here are all the details:

Surface Laptop 6: Expected specifications

• Display size: 13.8-inch and 15-inch
• Ports: Two USB-C, one USB-A, magnetic Surface Connect charging port,
• Touchpad: Haptic (with Sense technology)
• Features: Dedicated button for Windows Copilot 

Surface Pro 10: Expected specifications

• Display: Anti-glare, 2160x1440 and 2880x1920 resolution, HDR support
• Buttons: NFC reader and dedicated button for Windows Copilot
• Features: Windows Studio Effect for webcam

What else is Surface working on?

So, the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 will be the stars of the show for 2024. Also, Microsoft may ship another Surface Laptop Go next year, but there's no any concrete details about that product yet.

According to a source, Microsoft is considering a commercial-only version of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop that maintains the current designs of the Surface Laptop 5 and Surface Pro 9, but with updated Intel 14th-Gen chips and other minor improvements. I'm unsure if these will actually ship, however.

Beyond 2024, sources say that Microsoft is working on a more significant design update for the Surface Pro line that targets a late 2025 release window. It’s too early to know what exactly will be different with it, but sources say the company is toying with an 11-inch Surface Pro model that would ship alongside the standard 13-inch one.

Microsoft is also working on the next Surface Laptop Studio, which targets a similar late 2025 release window. Not much is known about the Surface Laptop Studio 3 yet, though I understand that Microsoft intends to offer it in both Intel and Arm flavors for the first time.

December 29, 2023