Surface Laptop 4: Specs, price, release date, everything we know

Earlier this month, Microsoft launched the Surface Pro 7+, an updated Surface Pro 7 with newer Intel 11th Gen processors, more RAM, and an LTE variant built specifically for commercial markets. In the last two years, a new Surface Pro has often been announced alongside a new Surface Laptop, but that didn't happen this year. So, when is the next Surface Laptop coming, and what will be new? Here's everything we know.

Device specifications

The next Surface Laptop will feature Intel's 11th-generation Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 processors, up to 32GB RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. Like with the Surface Laptop 3, Microsoft will also offer the new Surface Laptop with custom "Surface Edition" AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors. Unfortunately, I don't yet know if these custom chips will be based on AMD's Ryzen 4000 or 5000 series mobile CPUs. Here's hoping it's the latter.

What I do know is that for the first time, Microsoft will offer the AMD Ryzen 5 chip in the 13.5-inch model. Previously, the 13.5-inch variant was exclusive to Intel chips, with AMD's offerings only found in the 15-inch version. Now, processors from Intel and AMD will be found in both sizes.

Design and features

Unfortunately, the next Surface Laptop will bear the same exact chassis as the Surface Laptop 3, which means no design changes are expected. I'm told that the product will feature the same ports, keyboard, and trackpad layout, as well as display resolution and bezel size.

I am told that the device will feature better Dolby Atmos support, which should provide improved audio over the Surface Laptop 3. In addition, thanks to the newer chips found on the inside, Microsoft will also be touting better battery life across the board.

The new Surface Laptop will be losing the Cobalt Blue color choice in favor of the new Ice Blue color first introduced with the Surface Laptop Go. I'm told Ice Blue will replace Cobalt Blue in all of Microsoft's products going forward.

Price and release date

According to my sources, the next Surface Laptop will be released this spring, sometime in mid-April specifically. Again, like with the Surface Laptop 3, pricing will start at $999 for the 13.5-inch model, this time with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, and $1,299 for the 15-inch model.

Surface Laptop 4 or Surface Laptop 3+?

With the new Surface Pro, Microsoft opted to call the device the Surface Pro 7+ and aim it specifically at commercial markets. While consumers can buy a Surface Pro 7+ if they want, the product device really isn't being pushed for that market. So, will Microsoft do the same with the new Surface Laptop?

According to my sources: no. The next Surface Laptop won't only be aimed at commercial markets, meaning there will be consumer SKUs available too. Whether that means it'll be called the Surface Laptop 4 remains to be seen, but I think that makes the most sense.

What do you think?

So that's everything we know about the next Surface Laptop, set to replace one of the best Microsoft Surface PCs. What are your thoughts on what we're hearing? Let us know in the comments.