Microsoft prepares display upgrades and two stage launch for new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with Intel and Snapdragon chips this year

Microsoft is preparing new updates for its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop lines of PCs that will feature new chips, upgraded displays, and other quality-of-life improvements. The company is planning to ship both Intel and Snapdragon models in a two-stage rollout that will see the Intel models launch first.

According to sources familiar with the plans, Microsoft will launch new Surface PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra 3 chips this spring, followed by Snapdragon X2 variants in the summer. The devices will start with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, with options going all the way up to 64GB RAM and 2TB storage in the highest-end models, confirmed by early retail listings of the products, which have since been pulled.

Externally, I’m told these devices should look similar to their previous generation models, meaning no significant design upgrades are expected, outside of minor tweaks and new colors. For the flagships, the main upgrade outside of the new chips will be in the display department.

For the first time, I hear that Microsoft is planning to ship OLED variants of the Surface Laptop. Just like on the Surface Pro, the OLED models will only be available on the higher-end configurations, with IPS remaining for the entry-level models. Some models will also feature a higher resolution screen for the first time.

I also hear that these new devices include upgraded haptics, likely tied to Windows 11’s recently announced improved haptics system that is designed to provide haptic feedback when interacting with the OS, such as snapping windows or dragging files.

For the smaller Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, I’m told that not much will be changing. Under the hood, I hear Microsoft is planning to introduce Intel variants of these devices for the first time, meaning you’ll be able to find both Intel and Snapdragon in all Surface PC offerings this year.

Microsoft is likely opting to ship the Snapdragon models later due to the availability of the chips, which sources say are currently in short supply. In 2024, Microsoft launched the Snapdragon models first, updating the devices with Intel options for business customers later. This time, it seems the reverse is happening, with Intel models coming first, followed by Snapdragon variants a couple of months after.

Unfortunately, I’m told Microsoft is not planning to offer any Surface PCs with Qualcomm’s new high-end Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme SoC, with only X2 Plus and X2 Elite options planned for this wave. Intel models are expected to be available in Ultra 5 and Ultra 7 variants, with no Ultra 9 options.

In case you were holding out hope for a $599 Surface Laptop to compete with Apple’s new MacBook Neo, I’m told the company has no plans to ship such a device anytime soon. While this could change in the future, this upcoming wave of Surface PCs will remain firmly in the premium and ultra-premium pricing categories.

Microsoft just confirmed new price hikes for the existing range of Surface PCs, which likely sets the stage for pricing of this next wave of Surface hardware too. I’d be very surprised if these next-gen devices are any cheaper than the newly announced pricing on the current-gen models.

Overall, this wave of Surface PCs is shaping up to be a quiet one, with a focus on quality of life improvements and better chips that should deliver more performance and battery life. The new displays will be the star of the show, albeit with a higher price tag to match.

I want to hear what you think. Are you excited about the dual‑chip strategy, the display improvements, or something else entirely? Drop your thoughts below and tell us what you want to see from the next Surface Pro and Surface Laptop.

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