Microsoft Unveils Cheaper Surface PCs With Built-In AI Features

Microsoft has introduced two updated Surface computers designed to run artificial intelligence models directly on the machine—without needing an internet connection. The new devices, part of the company’s Copilot+ PC line, include a refreshed Surface Laptop and a Surface Pro convertible tablet. Both are priced lower than their 2023 predecessors and offer smaller screens and improved battery life.

The move signals Microsoft's ongoing effort to make AI features more accessible while showcasing its Windows 11 operating system on its own hardware.

Familiar Designs, New Internals

The new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro retain their familiar forms. The Surface Laptop sticks with its traditional clamshell design, while the Surface Pro continues as a tablet with a built-in kickstand and optional detachable keyboard.

Internally, both models now use Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chips with eight processing cores—down from ten cores in last year’s versions. Despite the reduction, Microsoft claims the systems perform better and are more efficient, with longer battery life.

• Surface Laptop: Starts at $899, $100 less than the 2023 model

• Surface Pro: Starts at $799, $200 less than before

Screen sizes have also been reduced, from 13.8 inches to 13 inches on the Surface Laptop, and from 13 inches to 12 inches on the Surface Pro.

Boosted Battery Life and AI Capabilities

Microsoft says the changes are not just about cost. The updated Surface Laptop now offers up to 16 hours of web browsing, up from 13 hours last year.

The devices also come equipped with Microsoft’s Copilot+ AI features, built on the neural processing unit (NPU) within the Snapdragon chips. These features are designed to handle tasks like image editing, screen summarization, and voice-controlled settings changes.

One of the most high-profile additions is Recall, a Windows 11 feature that lets users retrieve previous on-screen content and search through file history more easily. Other AI-driven upgrades include:

• A smarter Snipping Tool in testing, which highlights key information in screenshots

• A Settings app AI agent that can respond to natural language input (e.g., "my mouse pointer is too small")

Enhanced file search tools for productivity

Microsoft claims the Surface Laptop outperforms Apple’s 2024 MacBook Air with the M3 chip. Apple, in turn, announced its M4-powered MacBook Air in March, raising the competitive stakes.

Market Response and Upgrade Timing

Despite the hardware upgrades and AI features, interest in Copilot+ PCs has been modest so far. “Checks suggest limited appetite for investing in AI PCs given the lack of clarity on the value-added proposition and as new business cases and tools develop,” wrote Raymond James analyst Andrew Marok in a recent investor note.

Still, Microsoft stands to benefit from refreshing its device lineup—especially as support for Windows 10 ends in October. After that date, users will no longer receive updates or security patches unless they opt into a $30 extended support program.

With that transition looming, many users and organizations are expected to move to Windows 11, which could drive adoption of newer PCs. “We continue to see increased commercial traction as we approach end of support for Windows 10,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told analysts, noting that commercial deployments of Windows 11 are up nearly 75% year over year.

Preorders Open Now

Microsoft began accepting preorders for the new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro on Tuesday. Both will be officially released on May 20 and are available in platinum, ocean, and violet color options.

What This Means

Microsoft’s updated Surface PCs reflect a larger trend: bringing AI closer to the user, directly on the device. By combining on-device AI processing with lower prices and longer battery life, these models aim to make next-generation computing more practical for everyday users. While business interest in AI PCs is still developing, the company is positioning itself to capitalize on the coming Windows 10 upgrade wave.

By making AI-ready PCs more affordable and practical, Microsoft isn’t just updating its hardware—it’s laying the groundwork for a broader shift in how everyday users interact with intelligent technology.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.