Microsoft unveils the $1,149+ Surface Pro 12-inch and the $1,199+ Surface Laptop 13-inch with Snapdragon X2 Plus, and a new Surface Mouse with built-in haptics

New Surface devices are now shipping with processors capable of over 40 TOPS, unlocking advanced AI features for local operation.

Microsoft has announced new versions of its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop devices, both powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Plus chip. The Surface Pro 12-inch starts at $1,149 and the Surface Laptop 13-inch begins at $1,199. These refreshed models feature brighter displays with up to 500 nits of peak brightness, improved battery life, and optional 5G connectivity. They will be available in a new black colorway, alongside platinum and violet. The devices offer up to 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM and UFS storage options, with a focus on enhanced performance and outdoor usability. The Surface Pro 12-inch weighs 1.5 pounds, while the Surface Laptop 13-inch weighs 2.7 pounds. Both models are slated for release on October 13, alongside a new Surface Mouse with built-in haptics.

The integration of Snapdragon X2 Plus processors with an 80 TOPS NPU in the new Surface devices signifies Microsoft's commitment to on-device AI capabilities. This leap in local processing power for AI tasks could lead to significant performance improvements and new functionalities in Windows applications, reducing reliance on cloud-based AI services and enhancing user privacy. The "Copilot+ PC" branding indicates a new class of devices designed to leverage these advanced AI accelerators.

This launch positions Microsoft to compete directly with Apple's M-series chips in performance and AI integration, while also pushing the broader PC ecosystem towards ARM-based architecture for improved power efficiency and AI acceleration. Consumers can expect a new wave of laptops and tablets prioritizing AI-driven features, potentially changing how everyday computing tasks are performed and setting a new benchmark for mobile productivity and creativity.