Microsoft typically reveals most of its new Surface products in September or October, and it doesn’t look like that’ll be any different this year.
The company has confirmed it’ll be holding the “Microsoft Fall 2022 Event” on 12 October, with plans to “talk about devices” suggesting Surface will be on the agenda.
Just one Surface device has been released so far this year – the Laptop Go 2 – meaning plenty of others could launch at the event.
But if the latest leaks are to be believed, just three new products will actually be announced. Microsoft may still spring a surprise or two, but this is everything we’re expecting as it currently stands.
Surface Pro 9
Last year’s Surface Pro 8 was a major release for Microsoft, helping re-establish it as the best 2-in-1 you can buy thanks to several key upgrades. Nothing as significant is expected on the Pro 9, but there are still some rumoured changes worth talking about.
The most noteworthy is a merger with the Surface Pro X, which would bring ARM and 5G to the device for the first time. New Intel and 4G models are still expected to be available, but this makes sense considering how similar the two products have become.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
It’ll also supposedly be available in two new colours, with Forest and Sapphire joining the existing Platinum and Graphite. But Microsoft may ditch the entry-level version with a 128GB SSD, which could lead to an increased starting price. And the Type Cover will probably still be sold separately.
Surface Laptop 5
The Surface Laptop line is due an update, considering the fourth-gen model launched back in April 2021. While no design changes are expected, the Laptop 5 looks set to be a significant upgrade.
On both 13.5in and 15in models, look out for a 120Hz refresh rate display. This will bring the device in line with the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop Studio, and it should be able to adjust automatically (helping to conserve battery life) via Windows 11’s Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) feature.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Like the Surface Pro 9, you can also expect a move to Intel’s 12th-gen processors – likely from the U-Series designed for thin and light laptops. But there are suggestions that the option for AMD CPUs will be ditched, which could yield an increase to the starting price.
Other rumoured upgrades include a 1080p webcam (vs 720p on the Laptop 4) and running Windows 11 out of the box, although the latter won’t be considered an upgrade by everyone.
Surface Studio 3
It’s been four long years since Microsoft revealed the Surface Studio 2, but it looks like a successor is finally on the way.
Microsoft’s all-in-one PC is now very out of date, so expect upgraded processors at the very least – likely from Intel’s 12th-gen range. However, the company may continue its tradition of putting mobile CPUs in its desktop PC.
With the Studio 2 sporting an Nvidia RTX 980M and just 4GB of DDR5, both should be in line for a big upgrade. It’s not clear if Microsoft is planning any design upgrades or changes to the 28in, 3:2 display, though.
Price also needs to be addressed – most people won’t be willing to pay at least $3,499.
We’re also expecting a new Surface Keyboard and Surface Pen to be released alongside it, but they may be sold separately.
Surface Earbuds 2
The evidence isn’t as strong with this one, but there’s some indication that Microsoft could be gearing up to release a second generation of its wireless earbuds.
It’s been well over two years since the original launched, so they’re certainly overdue. But as for potential specs and features, nothing has been revealed.
What we’re not expecting
However, if you’re holding out for a new version of a different Surface product, you’ll probably be disappointed. As it stands, those are the only three we’re expecting.
That means we won’t be seeing the Surface Duo 3, although Microsoft is believed to be working on it ahead of a 2023 release. Next year is also when the Surface Go 4, Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Surface Laptop Go 3 are expected – it could be another bumper year for Surface hardware.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Also, there’s no word on a new version of Microsoft’s over-ear Surface Headphones. The second generation launched back in 2020 and were generally well received, but it doesn’t seem like a successor will be arriving in October.
Related articles you may like
Author: Anyron Copeman, Senior Staff Writer
As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.