Microsoft just rolled out two fresh Copilot+ PCs, designed to handle artificial intelligence tasks without needing an internet connection. These gadgets will feel familiar to anyone who’s used previous Surface models. The first is a Surface Pro tablet with a detachable keyboard, while the second is a classic Surface Laptop. Though Microsoft isn’t a top player in hardware, these devices help showcase what Windows can do while expanding the company’s portfolio.
This year’s models come with a friendlier price tag compared to last year’s releases, which introduced the Copilot+ PC standard powered by a neural processing unit. The lower cost matters, especially as people and companies brace for rising expenses due to recent trade policies. The new Surface Laptop starts at $899, a $100 drop from last year, while the base-model Surface Pro is priced at $799, $200 cheaper than before.
Both run on an eight-core Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chip, down from ten cores in prior versions. Screens are slightly smaller—12 inches for the Pro and 13 inches for the Laptop—but Microsoft promises better battery performance. The Laptop now lasts up to 16 hours on web browsing, up from 13 hours in 2024. According to Microsoft executive Brett Ostrum, the new Surface Laptop even beats Apple’s 2024 MacBook Air with an M3 chip, though Apple has since announced a faster M4 version.
Windows 11 on these devices includes features like Recall, which tracks on-screen activity, and smarter file searches powered by AI. Early testers in the Windows Insider Program can experiment with an AI assistant in Settings that adjusts preferences based on simple commands. An updated Snipping Tool will also highlight key details in screenshots to minimize editing.
Despite these upgrades, demand for AI-ready PCs has been lukewarm. Analysts note hesitation among buyers due to unclear benefits and evolving use cases. Still, Microsoft stands to gain by refreshing its lineup as Windows 10 support ends in October. The company will stop providing updates for the aging OS but will offer a $30 extended security option for holdouts.
Windows 11 adoption is already climbing, with business deployments up nearly 75% year over year. Preorders for the new Surfaces opened ahead of their May 20 launch, with color options including platinum, ocean, and violet.