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Microsoft is gearing up to release new hardware this month. The company has confirmed a virtual event for 22 September, where new Surface products are expected to take centre stage.
The official teaser image shows a new 2-in-1 device, making the Surface Pro 8 or Surface Go 3 likely candidates. However, there are plenty of Surface products that could be refreshed this September. Some have settled into a regular annual update cycle, while others are overdue a refresh.
Microsoft will also be keen to get as many of its computers running Windows 11 out of the box, after confirming a 5 October release date for the new OS. But we also shouldn’t forget about the Android-based Surface Duo or Microsoft’s personal audio products – the Surface Earbuds and Surface Headphones.
In this article, we’ll try to make sense of the rumours so far and predict what might be on the agenda on 22 September. This is purely based on the leaks and speculation available so far – Microsoft could easily spring a surprise or two.
New Surface devices we could see
Surface Duo 2
The first-gen Duo is only a year old, and the device didn’t launch outside the US until February of this year. Despite that, it seems a follow-up has been in the works for some time, and it’s expected to be among the key announcements.
An iterative update is most likely, with Microsoft aiming to iron out some of the original device’s pain points. Rumours suggest it’ll move to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 chipset, which will also bring 5G support. We’re also expecting new triple rear cameras and some slight design refinements.
Read more about the Surface Duo 2.
Surface Pro 8
There are two key reasons why many people believe the Pro 8 will be announced on 22 September. First is the official image Microsoft is using to promote the event – it looks like a 2-in-1 device, and we’d expect the company to lead with its flagship tablet/laptop hybrid. 2020 was also the first year we didn’t see a new Surface Pro since the line debuted in 2013. While anyone could buy January’s Surface Pro 7+, it was aimed at business and education customers.
Predictably, the Pro 8 is expected to move to Intel’s latest Tiger Lake processors, alongside a slightly larger display and removable SSD. According to The Verge, At least one model will have a Thunderbolt-enabled USB-C port for fast data transfer. A new Type Cover is also likely, but it’ll probably be sold separately once again.
However, if you’re holding out for the eagerly-anticipated redesign, you’ll probably be disappointed.
Read more about the Surface Pro 8.
Surface Go 3
If the Surface Pro 8 doesn’t get announced, look out for a Go 3 instead. It’s the only other device Microsoft could be hinting at in the teaser image, unless it adds a brand-new product to the Surface range.
The general consensus is that we will see a new Surface Go this month, although rumours are relatively thin on the ground. Microsoft is expected to upgrade the processors, so we should see better performance even at the entry-level.
Read more about the Surface Go 3.
Surface Book 4
The Surface Book 3 launched alongside the Go 2 in May 2020, so we’re expecting a successor soon. If it ends up launching this month, there could be some big changes. Rumours suggest Microsoft wants to completely redesign the device, ditching the detachable display for one that’s suspended above the keyboard and trackpad. A patent suggests this will be a similar design to the iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, and would mean Microsoft no longer needs to include all the internals under the display.
The next Surface Book could look very different
Elsewhere, the next Surface Book could be the first Microsoft laptop with a high refresh rate display – potentially up to 120Hz. This will presumably take advantage of Windows 11’s new Dynamic Refresh Rate feature, which allows the refresh rate to automatically adjust depending on what you’re doing.
The magnitude of these changes has led some to suggest it won’t be known as the Surface Book 4 at all, but that’s still our best guess regarding naming so far.
Read more about the Surface Book 4.
Surface Studio 3
Microsoft hasn’t updated its All-in-One desktop since late 2018, but the Surface Studio 2 has been in the news a lot recently. That’s because Windows 11’s new hardware requirements initially meant the Studio 2 wouldn’t be supported, despite Microsoft continuing to sell the device on its website.
The company has since made an exception for the device, but it adds to the feeling that a successor is on its way. However, with no rumours or leaks so far, the September event may come too soon.
Surface Laptop Go 2
Microsoft introduced a new affordable laptop in the form of the Surface Laptop Go in October 2020. It acts as a scaled-down version of the Surface Laptop line, with a smaller display and less powerful internals.
With no concrete rumours so far, we’d be surprised to see a second-gen device launch this month.
Read more about the Surface Laptop Go 2.
Surface Pro X (2021)
The Surface Pro X originally launched in October 2019, before an upgraded version with a new ARM-based processor and improved app compatibility arrived a year later. Logic suggests we’ll see a third-gen this September, but it’s hard to know what to expect.
The Verge suggests changes will be relatively minor, with potentially just a high refresh rate display and new processor. The latter will probably be known as the SQ3, and maybe based on Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 chip.
Learn more about the next Surface Pro X.
Surface Earbuds 2/Surface Headphones 3
The upcoming Surface event might not be all about computers. Microsoft could also update its personal audio products, with the Surface Earbuds 2 and Surface Headphones 3 both expected soon. However, there are no rumoured specs or features to report at this stage.
What we won’t see at the Microsoft Surface event
The only Surface PC we can confidently say Microsoft won’t announce is the Surface Laptop 5. The company only launched a fourth-gen model in April, and that device will be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11. There’s really no need for a follow-up so soon.
This event is also expected to exclusively focus on hardware. Microsoft already had a dedicated event for Windows 11 in June, and there’s no other software in the pipeline as far as we know. The closest we might get is news on the Surface Neo’s software. It was originally meant to run on Windows 10X, but that’s now been cancelled. However, it’s not clear whether Microsoft will now ever release the Neo.
Should I buy a new Surface now?
If you don’t care about the latest specs or features, buying a new Surface device now could be a good option. All the PCs in our Surface deals roundup will be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11, so you don’t have to worry about running outdated software. Here the top 10 deals in the UK:
1. Microsoft Surface Duo (256GB)
From: Microsoft
Was: £1,449
Now: £729 (£720 off)
View Deal
The dual-screen Surface Duo didn’t arrive in the UK until February, but it’s already been heavily discounted. These latest prices are the best we’ve seen, with £720 off the 256GB model closely followed by a £670 saving on the 128GB variant. We’d still recommend the former, given how little extra you’re paying for double the storage. The 128GB model is also available at Currys.
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (13.5in, i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD)
Now: £747.60 (£251.40 off)
View Deal
The Surface Laptop 4 recently launched, but its predecessor remains a great option. That’s especially true following this hefty discount of over £250 on the entry-level model. For under £750, you get a model with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage. Available for £749 at Amazon, but it’s currently out of stock. https://www.argos.co.uk/product/3081167/
3. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (i5, 8GB, 256GB)
From: Amazon
Was: £1,169
Now: £933 (£236 off)
View Deal
The Black model of the i5 Surface Pro 7 with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD is now down to £933 at Amazon, saving £236. That’s 20% off the RRP, although the Platinum version with the same specs is also worth considering at £953.
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go (i5, 8GB, 256GB)
Now: £749 (£150 off)
View Deal
This is a great deal on the Surface Laptop Go, a great laptop for students. Save £150 on the top-spec Intel Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD – down to a much more appealing £749. If you’d prefer, the 128GB model is down to £599 with a £100 discount.
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (15in, Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD)
Now: £839.99 (£359.01 off)
View Deal
Head to Argos for a great deal on the Ryzen 5 3580U Surface Laptop 3 with 8GB RAM and a 128GB SSD. It’s now available for just £929 – that’s an impressive £359.01 discount on the RRP.
6. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (i5, 16GB, 256GB)
From: Microsoft
Was: £1,399
Now: £1,259 (£140 off)
View Deal
This mid-tier Surface Pro 7 has been significantly discounted as we await news of its successors. Get £140 off an i5 model with 16GB RAM and a 256GB SSD from the Microsoft Store.
7. Microsoft Surface Book 3 (13.5in, i7, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
From: Amazon
Was: £2,199
Now: £1,894 (£305 off)
View Deal
Discounts on Microsoft’s latest high-end laptop/tablet hybrid are relatively rare, but there’s a great deal if you buy through Amazon. A £305 discount means this 13.5in model with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD is now down to just £1,894.
8. Microsoft Surface Go 2 (Intel Core M3, 8GB, 128GB) Essentials Bundle
From: Microsoft
Was: £848.97
Now: £698.98 (£149.99 off)
View Deal
The Surface Go 2 Essentials Bundle offers a decent saving when compared to buying the items separately. Adding a Microsoft 365 subscription, Type Cover, and protective Sleeve to the Intel Core M3 model saves almost £150 when compared to buying separately.
9. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 (13.5in, Ryzen 5, 8GB, 256GB)
Now: £978 (£21 off)
View Deal
The Surface Laptop 4 only launched recently, but there’s already a modest discount at Amazon. The retailer has dropped the price of the entry level 13.5in model to £978, saving £21 on the RRP. In exchange, you get an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD.
10. Microsoft Surface Pen (Platinum)
From: Amazon
Was: £99.99
Now: £69.50 (£30.49 off)
View Deal
The Platinum version of Microsoft’s Surface Pen stylus is is now down to £69.50 with a 30% discount on the RRP. It’s compatible with all Surface touchscreen devices, allowing you write, draw or precisely locate anything on the screen.
Need more information before you commit to a purchase? Check out our full guide to the best Microsoft Surface devices you can buy right now.
To find out what will be announced live, find out how to watch Microsoft’s Surface event.
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