Microsoft is going to hold an event today on May 20, where it is anticipated to unveil ARM-powered laptops in its Surface line, utilising Qualcomm Snapdragon X series chips. The event is also expected to include updates on Microsoft’s artificial intelligence platform Copilot, new features for Windows 11, and consumer versions of the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6.
Qualcomm Snapdragon-Powered Surface Devices
Following the launch of the business-oriented Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 in March, Microsoft is now poised to introduce consumer variants of these devices. Unlike their business counterparts, which are equipped with Intel Core Ultra processors, the consumer versions are expected to feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip.
The Snapdragon X series chips, designed specifically for laptops, come with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for on-device AI model execution. At the Mobile World Congress in February, Qualcomm showcased the Snapdragon X Elite chip’s ability to run a 7+ billion parameter multimodal AI model on-device, highlighting its NPU as up to three times faster than competing x86 chips from Intel.
The consumer-facing Surface Pro 10 is likely to feature an OLED display instead of an LCD panel. The Surface Laptop 6 is expected to have slimmer bezels, rounded edges reminiscent of the Surface Laptop Studio, and a new haptic touchpad.
More Qualcomm Snapdragon-Powered Laptops
In addition to Surface devices, Microsoft is expected to introduce ARM laptops from Windows partners such as Lenovo, Dell, and Asus. There are also rumors that Samsung might unveil a Snapdragon-powered Galaxy Book 4 variant at the event.
Windows 11 24H2 Update
Microsoft previously announced that the annual update for Windows will not be a new version called Windows 12 but an improved iteration of Windows 11, named “24H2.” While specific changes were not detailed, it is anticipated that Windows 11 24H2 will bring optimisations for ARM-based chips, along with new AI tools and features that leverage the NPU capabilities of Snapdragon and Intel Core Ultra chips.