TL;DR
Sources indicate Microsoft is reviewing specifications for an entry-level 12-inch Surface to reduce prices while potentially using an AMD Arm APU instead of Qualcomm.
Reports indicate Microsoft is examining various internal components and physical features of its entry-level 12-inch Surface to lower costs. This move follows the launch of the $699 MacBook Neo from Apple.
The report suggests Microsoft may use an AMD "Sound Wave" Arm APU in the device. Shipping manifests previously linked this chip to the 2026 Surface lineup. Leaks describe the APU as having 2 performance Arm cores, 4 efficiency Arm cores, and RDNA 3.5 graphics with 4 CUs, with a power target between 5 W and 10 W. Microsoft could also continue using Qualcomm chips.
The current 12-inch Surface Pro, which uses a Snapdragon X2 Plus, starts at $1,149. Last year, the starting price was $799. Neither Microsoft nor AMD has confirmed these plans.
Via DigiTimes ↗, X (@harukaze5719) ↗ · Also from TechPowerUp ↗
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