On Wednesday, October 12, the Microsoft fall event will most likely demonstrate how serious the company is about supporting Windows on ARM. Microsoft has yet to determine the future of Windows on ARM-based PCs, despite Apple’s shift to ARM-based silicon on its Mac. More information about Microsoft’s vision for Windows on ARM could be revealed at the company’s fall product launch next week.
Meanwhile, Microsoft is preparing to launch several new Surface-branded computers, including a long-overdue Surface Studio refresh, next week. This Microsoft fall event will be broadcast live on Microsoft’s website and social media channels and will begin at 7:30 p.m. IST.
Here’s what we can expect.
Surface Pro 9
A Microsoft hardware event wouldn’t be complete without a new tablet, and the Surface Pro 9 could be one of the most significant updates to the lineup in recent memory.
According to Windows Central, the new model will incorporate the ARM-based Surface Pro X into the regular Pro family. If so, you’ll be able to choose between processor architectures without changing form factors, which is a first for the Pro series.
Whatever chip is used it would provide a significant speed boost. According to a source, Intel-based Surface Pro 9 models will use 12th-generation Core i5 and i7 U-series processors (significantly faster than the Pro 8’s 11th-generation parts), while ARM models will use the SQ3, a custom variant of the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3.
Microsoft may stick with the previous maximum of 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, though cellular models will reportedly support 5G.
There are only a few changes to the tablet’s outlook. The Surface Pro 9 will be nearly similar to its previous model, with a 13-inch 120Hz display, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a front 5-megapixel camera, a rear 10-megapixel camera, and support for the Slim Pen 2.
Although this is an iterative design, people liked the Pro 8 last year. It’s just a matter of if the cost is reasonable. According to WinFuture, Europeans may pay the equivalent of $1,300 for a Core i5 model with 256GB of storage, but this may not reflect American pricing.
Surface Laptop 5
The Surface Laptop hasn’t been touched by Microsoft since the spring of 2021, so it’s overdue for an update. Hopefully, the work is in progress. According to both Windows Central and WinFuture insiders, a Surface Laptop 5 with some minor but significant improvements is in the works.
The 13.5- and 15-inch portables would be equipped with 12th-generation Core i5 and i7 processors, which would represent significant improvements over previous chips. The most notable difference may be what you don’t get — WinFuture says there will be no AMD Ryzen-powered Surface Laptop 5 variants. However, the machine may be the first to support Thunderbolt 4.
The design of the Surface Laptop 5 could be nearly similar to that of its tablet counterpart. Cosmetic changes are unlikely, except for a possible sage green color option borrowed from the Laptop Go 2.
That won’t be a problem if you like Microsoft’s minimalist aesthetics, but it might be disappointing if you were hoping for a more eye-catching notebook like the XPS 13 Plus or MacBook Air M2 – especially given the rumored $1,200 asking price in Europe.
Surface Studio 3
The Surface Studio 3 is one of the most highly awaited products at the Microsoft fall event. Surface Studio’s most recent version was released in 2018, so it’s pending an update. The second-generation Surface Studio was excoriated for its high price as well as its out-of-date CPU and GPU. Microsoft will not make the same mistake with the Surface Studio 3.
According to rumors, the new all-in-one PC will use the same chassis as the first two Studios, including the signature tilting, stylus-friendly 28-inch display. However, the CPU and GPU will have been updated.
Wildcards: A mini-PC and Surface accessories
The biggest surprise may be the release of Project Volterra, a compact desktop aimed at developers creating ARM-native Windows apps with AI features. So it won’t be the Surface’s answer to the Mac mini.
The only other highlights could be the accessories. Windows Central’s Zac Bowden recently shared images of what he claims are updated Surface Keyboard and Surface Pen models that could be included with the Surface Studio 3 as well as sold separately. A Surface Mouse revision may also be available. Bowden also hinted at a “premium” speaker as well as a Teams-focused remote, but little else is known about them.
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