Spring has sprung, at least for those north of the equator. That means I got to see the sun a couple times in England, the NCAA tournament is taking over offices across the United States, and we at Windows Central can eagerly await news about the next wave of Surface devices.
Usually in the Windows Wrap, I look back at the biggest stories of the week and comment on a trending topic. But this week I’m doing something a bit different. Instead of looking back, I’m looking ahead to Microsoft’s upcoming Surface announcements.
For those curious, new Surface PCs are coming this spring. So wait a few more weeks if you were thinking about buying a current gen model.March 23, 2026
Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden shared that tidbit of information recently when giving people advice about when to buy a Surface PC. The upcoming announcement of new Surface hardware is one of several reasons that right now is a terrible time to buy a Surface.
With little to go on in terms of what is actually on the way, I’ll focus instead on what should be on the way and what Microsoft needs to do to save the Surface brand.
To be clear, I don’t think the Surface brand needs saving in terms of revenue. But Microsoft needs to combat complacency, inconsistency, and boredom-inducing hardware.
Before I dive in, here’s a quick recap of the biggest stories of the week from the world of Windows 11.
Weekly Windows Wrap: The Big News
Stop staggered Surface releases
Microsoft needs to unify the releases of its Surface devices, regardless of which types of chips those PCs run. If a Surface Pro 12 is announced, Microsoft needs to ship the Snapdragon X and Intel versions at the same time.
The Surface Pro 11 for Business, which is powered by an Intel chip, shipped over six months after the Snapdragon-X powered Surface Pro 11 aimed at consumers.
It’s likely that Snapdragon X2 and Intel Core Ultra 3 processors will be options in some new Surface hardware in some format. A staggered launch leaves whichever comes second at a disadvantage.
Let people pick Surface PCs with Intel or Snapdragon X
I like Snapdragon-X powered PCs. They fit my workflow well and if I were in the market for a new laptop today, I’d buy one. Several of the best Windows laptops run Snapdragon X processors, so I’d be spoiled for choice.
But some people still need or prefer PCs powered by Intel chips. Microsoft knows this, of course, which is why there are Intel-powered Surface PCs sold as “For Business” devices.
I appreciate Microsoft’s efforts to push ARM64-based computing forward. Windows 11 has improved greatly in that area over the last few years and Microsoft putting Snapdragon X chips inside its flagship devices sent a strong message.
I believe that message has been received that OEMs have made great Snapdragon X PCs, and Microsoft can remain part of that bunch.
But if Microsoft is going to make Intel and Snapdragon X versions of its Surface PCs, it should just offer them side-by-side to everyone.
Stop gatekeeping Surface features
If you want anti-reflective coating on your Surface Pro 11, you need to pick a “For Business” model with an Intel chip. It’s an odd quirk of the lineup that I hope is fixed in the next generation.
Our Editor-in-Chief said Microsoft needed to use anti-reflective displays in Surface PCs six years ago. Why do we have to keep asking for this?
In a Reddit post by user “WearHeadphonesPlease,” the user lists ways the next Surface Pro would be perfect. The top item on their list is anti-reflective coating.
I agree, though I’d take things a step further and say that the Snapdragon X and Intel versions should share the same design and features overall. People shouldn’t have to pick between a processor and a display.
Even the MacBook Neo, which starts at $599, has an anti-reflective coating on its display. Shipping a flagship Surface without a similar coating would be an embarrassment.
Bring back “one more thing”
Surface is stuck in a refinement loop. New devices have thinner bezels, better chips, and look nice, but they lack sexiness.
A Surface event used to guarantee something exciting that you hadn’t expected. The Surface Book would have its screen pop off or a Surface Laptop Studio would shift into a different mode.
When Surface Neo and Surface Duo graced the stage, it was exciting. Those devices pushed what PCs could do, but they also got people talking.
With all the tech available these days, Microsoft needs to stand out. Fold a screen in quarters, attach two Surface Pros to make a super PC, something. Just give us something more than “we updated stuff you’ve seen before.”
Shopping with Sean
It may be a terrible time to purchase a Surface PC, but it’s a great time to take advantage of other deals. Amazon Big Spring Deals slash the prices of top-tier tech. Our top ranked mini PC and our favorite mobile controller are both discounted heavily.
Samsung’s Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 and its massive 3K AMOLED display is also on sale this week.
Amazon’s Big Spring Sale ends on March 31, 2026, so make sure to grab your gadgets now to avoid wasting money or paying full price.
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