Microsoft has consistently put out a new version of its most popular Surface device, the Surface Pro, and this year we are seeing the Surface Pro 10, the follow-up to the Surface Pro 9 from 2023.
This year’s Surface Pro 10 launch is a bit different. We’re seeing two models. One aimed at Microsoft’s commercial and business users has already been announced. Dubbed the Surface Pro 10 for Business, it mainly keeps the same design, with a bump to Intel Core Ultra CPUs. The other, which is for consumers like you and me, is expected to be announced later with big design changes, and an ARM-based processor instead of an Intel one.
And that’s just the start. There’s a lot of talk about the Surface Pro 10, and we’re here to recap all the rumors for you and everything we know so far about the Surface Pro 10.
This roundup will look at rumors and news about the consumer version of the Surface Pro 10. The business version has already launched.
Rumored release date
Let’s make it clear. Based on reporting from Windows Central’s Zac Bowden, there will be two versions of the Surface Pro 10 this year. The first has already launched and is dubbed Surface Pro 10 for Business. It’s mainly the same as the Surface Pro 9, with a brighter screen, new Intel Core Ultra CPUs, 5G options, an improved webcam, and an optional NFC reader.
The second model is the one that is much more interesting but it’s just rumored for now. Microsoft hasn’t confirmed it at all, but we expect Microsoft to announce the Surface Pro 10 for consumer model at an event on May 20. That event was confirmed to be about “AI vision across hardware and software.” Hardware includes Microsoft Surface, so expect to hear more then, before a launch later this summer.
Design and display changes
We shouldn’t expect a major shake-up in the overall design of the consumer version of the Surface Pro 10. It’ll keep its sleek 2-in-1 design, which includes a built-in kickstand and attachable Type Cover keyboard.
The design was last updated for the Surface Pro 8, which received slimmer bezels, a new charging slot for the Surface Slim Pen, and a higher refresh rate display. Last year’s Surface Pro 9 was a more iterative update, focusing more on the split between its Intel and Qualcomm models.
But according to Windows Central, there are a few tweaks in the works. First off, the screen may be more rounded and might also get a new anti-reflective coating to reduce glare, one of the ongoing complaints about the devices. It may even be brighter this time around with “support for HDR content.” We also could get the bump to an OLED screen for the first time, which could result in the screen being more vibrant than previous models.
Setting that aside, the Surface Pro 10 will likely feature a very similar design. As much as we’d like Microsoft to debut something flashier to mark the 10th anniversary, the slower evolution of the design is more in step with how the company has treated its Surface products over time.
Embracing ARM
Surface has been at the forefront of embracing ARM chips for years now. However, it’s always offered an Intel or AMD alternative. But if you believe the reports, the Surface Pro 10 will finally fully embrace ARM as the exclusive option. That’s a huge deal.
The reason, of course, has to do with the performance claims being put forth regarding Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite. For the first time, Qualcomm is gunning not just for Intel — but also Apple, claiming that the new chips are up to 21% faster than the M3. The efficiency of ARM also means significantly improved battery life. Microsoft won’t be the only player in the game. Nearly every major laptop manufacturer will partner with Qualcomm for new Windows ARM laptops, and if Microsoft can clean up the ARM support on the software side, this could be a big moment.
It seems as though the Surface Pro 10 for consumers could feature a different version of the Snapdragon X Elite, though. Leaked benchmarks show the device might come with the Snapdragon X Plus, which has yet to be announced by Qualcomm. The benchmark shows the device could come with 16GB of RAM, but beyond that, other specs are unknown.
Beyond the system on a chip, the Windows Central report claims that a 64GB configuration is being tested, in addition to the standard RAM and storage options.
Windows 12 and WIndows 11 24H2 tie-in
A major Windows update is in the works that at one point was referred to colloquially as Windows 12. It’s expected that this update will be heavy on AI features, mainly thanks to the power of the neural processing unit (NPU) on board the Surface Pro 10. You can expect the Surface Pro 10 to come with a more advanced version of Copilot, as well as a new AI Explorer feature to help you turn your workflows into searchable moments.
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