During CES 2025, Microsoft subtly hinted at upcoming Surface devices, blending the announcement seamlessly into their broader presentation on AI and innovation. In a LinkedIn post, the tech giant revealed that the big reveal will happen during the Microsoft AI Tour event in New York City on January 30.
The post reads: “Get Ready! Join us at the Microsoft AI Tour in NYC for a major announcement from Surface for Business. Mark your calendars and don’t miss out.”
According to Zack Bowden over at Windows Central, there are rumors that Microsoft is gearing up to launch new Intel-powered variants of the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11. These new devices will be powered by Intel Lunar Lake chips, making them the first Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs in the Surface lineup. Leaked photos suggest that the Surface Laptop 7 with Intel will look identical to its Snapdragon sibling.
Additionally, Microsoft is expected to offer a 5G variant of the Surface Laptop 7 with Intel, although it likely won’t ship until later in the year.
Microsoft has a history of announcing and releasing Surface variants early in the year, particularly for its commercial line of devices. This strategy aligns with the company’s focus on catering to business customers who often plan their technology upgrades and purchases at the beginning of the fiscal year. By introducing new devices early, Microsoft ensures that businesses have access to the latest technology, allowing them to make informed decisions and integrate new hardware into their operations seamlessly.
This approach also allows Microsoft to separate its commercial-focused hardware announcements from its consumer offerings. Typically, the company holds two Surface events annually – one early in the year for the business crowd and another later in the year for consumers. This staggered release schedule helps Microsoft address the distinct needs of its diverse customer base, ensuring that both business and consumer markets receive the attention and innovation they require.
For example, in previous years, Microsoft has announced and released devices like the Surface Pro 7+ and the Surface Laptop 4 early in the year, specifically targeting business users. These devices featured enhanced performance, improved battery life, and additional security features tailored to meet the needs of enterprise customers.
Since the departure of Panos Panay, Microsoft has been working to separate its commercial-focused hardware from its consumer offerings. This means we can expect two Surface events a year – one for the business crowd and one for consumers. The next big Surface Pro and Surface Laptop refresh for consumers is expected to drop later this year or early 2026, featuring the next generation Snapdragon X2 processors.
Microsoft’s latest teaser has generated significant anticipation for those of us who cover Surface news, and the tech world will be watching closely to see what the company unveils and how it matches up to all the competition coming out of CES 2025.
