Microsoft launched the new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro today, and then, almost as a footnote at the end of the press release, confirmed that more versions are also on the way.
While the Intel Core Ultra 3 models are available for business customers right now, the Snapdragon X2 variants, which Microsoft says will deliver “up to 80% faster local AI inferencing,” are confirmed to arrive later this year.
What did Microsoft say about the Snapdragon X2 Surface models?
“Later this year, we will extend the Surface for Business portfolio with models featuring the Snapdragon X2 processors.” That’s what Microsoft writes in its official blog post.
That’s it. No pricing, no specifications or features beyond the 80% AI inference claim and a rather vague promise of “uncompromising battery life.”
According to a report by Windows Central, the delay is because of component availability — high demand for the chips has pushed the timeline back by a few months. Beyond that, the report mentions that “Microsoft isn’t ready to ship the consumer models just yet,” which could be to give the business lineup a head start.
Why does the Snapdragon X2 version matter?
One reason: price. The Intel models, while genuinely fast, are aimed at business customers with a starting price of $1,499. It is the Snapdragon X2 variant where the consumer story really lives.
To make the consumer models with the Snapdragon X2 even more popular, Microsoft is reportedly planning optional OLED displays, a first for the Surface lineup, though that remains unconfirmed as of now.
The same publication previously claimed that Microsoft is only planning to use two chips from the Snapdragon X2 lineup: X2 Plus and X2 Elite. That’s all we have on the upcoming Snapdragon-powered Surface lineup, with more details awaited.
