In a highly anticipated development, the tech giant Microsoft is setting the stage to unveil new hardware in March, with much anticipation silently hovering around updated versions of its popular Surface Pro and Surface Laptop. The most recently speculated date of March 21, posted by credible leaker WalkingCat and subsequently reaffirmed by many sources, has tech enthusiasts thrumming with anticipation.
In the previous year, information about Microsoft’s farsighted plans for the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 was teetering on the edge of the slippery slope. These devices are on the cusp of unveiling substantial upgrades, including rejuvenated designs, state-of-the-art Intel and Arm chips, and next-gen NPU silicon, set to power advanced AI features integrated into the upcoming Windows iteration.
Additionally, a few tech enthusiasts and insiders have proffered that Microsoft plans to initiate the hardware launch in two structured waves: the first in April and the second in June. The initial wave will embark on commercial-focused versions of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, keeping intact the current market crafts but integrating newer Intel 14th-gen chips.
These devices will be set in motion with a curated set of features tailored for commercial customers, including an anti-reflective display, a new NFC reader, and support for Windows Studio Effects. While the names remain unknown, speculation points toward a potential release as the Surface Pro 9+ and Surface Laptop 5+, following the precedent set by the Surface Pro 7+ in 2019.
Microsoft is presenting the forthcoming Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 as its inaugural AI PCs; they are going to be the first devices to ship with the new Windows Germanium platform release. The anticipated Windows OS update is due for fall, bringing a host of next-gen AI features specifically crafted for this hardware, internally known as CADMUS PCs. While it’s unlikely that Microsoft will delve into the specifics of the next Windows version or the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 in March, teasers are anticipated, with a more nuanced unveiling expected closer to June.
Looking at the bigger picture, sources also suggest that Microsoft has plans to release an updated Surface Laptop Go 4 and a consumer-facing Surface Go 4 later in the year, most likely around October. This move is on the brink of completing the Surface lineup for 2024, providing a comprehensive array of devices catering to diverse user needs. As the tech community eagerly awaits the official announcements, Microsoft’s strategic hardware releases are set to make waves in the industry throughout the coming months.
