Leaked Redesign: Microsoft’s Compact Surface Pro Set to Challenge iPad Pro?
Rumors are swirling around a potential new Microsoft Surface Pro, and the leaks suggest a significant redesign focused on portability and, potentially, AI integration. With a May 6th announcement on the horizon, the tech world is buzzing about whether Microsoft is gearing up to challenge Apple's iPad Pro directly.
The speculation started with a teaser from the official Microsoft Surface account on X, hinting at "Something new is coming… find out next week," alongside the text "Copilot+PC". This strongly indicates that new hardware will be optimized for Microsoft's AI assistant, and recent device model certifications in China suggest a smaller form factor for the existing Surface Laptop and Surface Pro lines.
Smaller and Smarter?
One of the most anticipated devices is a potential 12-inch Surface Pro. This would offer increased portability compared to the current 13-inch version, and would be welcomed to those that prefer carrying smaller devices.According to leaks, it might feature a metal construction, possibly sharing design elements with the compact Surface Go. Benchmark data has surfaced, potentially indicating this smaller Pro model could utilize a Snapdragon X processor specifically the X1P-42-100 variant, configured with 16GB of RAM and running Windows 11 Pro.
However, some compromises appear to have been made to achieve the smaller size. The device allegedly lacks a Surface Connect port, opting instead for a pair of USB 3.2 Type-C ports (without including a power adapter in the box). Furthermore, rumors suggest that the flash storage may be soldered, offering 256 GB and 512 GB configurations. The new Surface Keyboard is also reportedly missing the magnets required for elevated positioning.
AI Focus
The "Copilot+PC" branding strongly points towards an integration of Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant in these new Surface devices. This could translate to enhanced performance or specific capabilities for AI-driven tasks within the operating system which could place microsoft above the competition especially with the rumored new Snapdragon X processor.
What to expect on May 6
Microsoft has only teased the event on X(formerly Twitter), making it unclear whether it will hold a public announcement or issue a press. What is clear however, is that Microsoft could be expanding its Surface portfolio with highly portable devices. If so, official details should be confirmed soon. Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices.
Will the new compact Surface Pro pose a real threat to the iPad Pro? Will Microsoft's AI integration give it a competitive edge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
