lipflip – Microsoft is reportedly preparing to launch new Surface devices in 2026, featuring ARM-based processors from AMD. These upcoming devices are expected to succeed the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 models. The move to include AMD’s ARM chips marks a shift from the current trend of using Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and Intel’s x86 chips in Surface devices. These upcoming Surface models may offer better price points compared to the current lineup.
AMD’s Sound Wave Processors: What to Expect
AMD is developing the ARM-based Sound Wave processors for Microsoft’s 2026 Surface lineup. Leaks suggest that AMD will build the Sound Wave APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) using TSMC’s 3nm process technology. The processor will feature two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores. Providing a balanced combination of power and energy efficiency for Surface devices. Additionally, AMD will equip the chips with a 128-bit LPDDRx-9600 RAM controller to ensure efficient memory management.
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What Will These Devices Offer?
The new ARM-based Surface laptops with AMD processors are expected to feature 16GB of RAM. Providing ample performance for everyday tasks. These devices will likely be designed for lower power consumption, making them more battery-efficient than current Surface models. With the introduction of AMD’s Sound Wave processors. Microsoft could offer a wider range of options, including more affordable models in the Surface lineup. Additionally, using AMD chips would mark a significant shift. As it would be the first time in years that Microsoft has included AMD hardware in Surface devices.
Increased Windows on ARM Adoption
The introduction of AMD’s Sound Wave processor could accelerate the growth of Windows on ARM laptops. Microsoft has already offered Surface devices featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series ARM chips. The addition of a new ARM-based processor by AMD will likely expand the available choices for Windows on ARM laptops, giving users more flexibility in their device selection. This shift could also lead to improved performance and optimization, especially for tasks that benefit from ARM architecture.
Impact on Pricing and Market Competition
One of the most notable advantages of the new ARM-based Surface models could be their price. While the current generation of Surface laptops can be expensive, AMD’s Sound Wave-powered devices may arrive at a more affordable price point. This could help Microsoft attract a broader range of consumers, from casual users to business professionals. Additionally, the new devices will face competition from other manufacturers offering ARM-based laptops, potentially lowering prices in the Windows laptop market and pushing for innovation in processor design.
Conclusion: A New Era for Surface PCs
The planned 2026 lineup of Surface devices featuring AMD’s ARM-based Sound Wave processors represents a significant step in Microsoft’s efforts to diversify its hardware offerings. These ARM-based processors will not only help Microsoft broaden its product lineup but also provide users with more choices in terms of performance, price, and energy efficiency.