Then this month (July 2026), Microsoft published their latest Inside Windows Q&A which gave us a fresh, candid look at what’s happening inside the Windows and Devices team at Microsoft – and more importantly, what’s coming next for Surface. As someone who’s been deep in the Surface ecosystem since 2012 (and now has far too many devices scattered across the house), this latest Q&A hit me in a good way and echo’s much of the feedback insiders, partners and MVPs have been channeling for a few year… This is exciting

In recent years, this innovation has felt a bit “flat” until around June time when Surface again felt like they are re-lit the innovation fire with annoucnement of the Surface Laptop Ultra which is due later this year and promises to bring the next generation of on-chip AI capability to the market.

The message is “Surface isn’t just a product line” that competes with other OEMs like Dell and Lenovo – The purpose of Surface is far beyond that.

Surface is the hardware expression of the Windows vision — silicon, OS, security, and experience all designed together. Chip‑to‑Cloud security, Windows on ARM, Copilot‑first workflows, modern device architecture — Surface is where these ideas become real.

In case you didn’t know – I am a huge fan of Surface – yes, my kids have Surface devices too. Surface headphones, keyboards, pens… you name it – I guess this is a size / occupational hazard of being a Surface MVP.

What Microsoft say is Surface

The Q&A, about 20 minutes and worth a listen was led by Pavan Davuluri [EVP, Windows & Devices] and Brett Ostrum [CVP Surface] and was a casual, open and relaxed talk – they talk about direction of travel, new devices announced and a some “teasers” as to what is coming. They talked a lot about how Surface innovates and drives innovation across the Windows OEM….

They confirmed that….

• We can “expect” more exciting Surface announcements later this year
• Surface Laptop Ultra and Surface RTX Spark (Developer Box) are still on the way
• New Surface for Business and Consumer devices announced and shipping
• Microsoft remains committed to Surface and it remains the platform where Microsoft designs, experiments, validates and innovates the future of Windows

Leading Windows and Silicon Innovation

Microsoft talked a lot in the podcast about some of the new innovation that has already come to Surface in 2026. The key ones for me that resonate were:

• Surface for Business: 35% faster GPU performance and 60% faster overall from last year’s model, advanced haptics and new configurable e-privacy screens.
• Consumer Snapdragon Powered Surface using Snapdragon X2 devices. Huge improvements in camera performance (DX2 mark rating No.1 and No.2 for camera performance)
• Advanced Haptics work Windows and Devices have enabled in their new Snapdragon devices for haptic feel across the Windows surface
• Updated Thermal Design led through the design of Surface Laptop Ultra along with real “beyond all day” battery with best ever performance.

There is another great video on the innovation and design ethos around putting people at the heart of their design – also worth a watch 👇

Windows on ARM is no longer a science experiment. It’s fast, efficient, and compatible with almost everything I throw at it. I genuinely can’t remember the last time I hit an app that didn’t run well. And the list of ARM‑native apps is growing every week.

Finally, the reasons on why businesses, education and leaders choose Surface, from the how it supports performance, silicon, security, AI innovation, and sustainability. Surface Team also have a new video that shows ways in which Surface helps people work smarter, faster, and with confidence in modern environments.

What we want from Surface

The interesting part of the podcast was for me that they didn’t say which was fueled by the Q&A section of the podcast. One of these was around Peripherals and device categories…

Surface Branded Accessories

So when asked about this, Ostrum called the Studio screen “the most beautiful screen we’ve ever shipped” — then moved on without committing or commenting. I have shared similar feedback…. Was this comment a tease….? I hope so.

Surface Go

This question invoked some laughs and they did joke about having a few mini devices lying around. They know the community still wants it. They also know they’re not ready to talk about it. I had many many customers that loved the price point and versatility of the Surface Go Range…

Thoughts on the Future of Surface…

Look, I love everything Surface Stands for and how the Windwos and Devices team feel like one.

After a couple of years of personal doubt, I do feel Surface is in a good place. The Windows + Devices team is aligned. Silicon, OS, and Security are now designed together. ARM is finally ready for mainstream and local AI is the next big bet.

I do however miss the leading edge, experimental innovation… the era of big swings and things that might or might not

• The Surface Studio.
• The original Surface Book.
• Surface Duo.
• Surface Hub
• Surface Go, Headphones, accessories

Surface used to surprise us I wish they woudl keep doing that! Today, Surface is in refining mode and not — not redefining/re-inventing.

And I want both. 🙂

My Wishlist for 2027

Surface is still one of the most important parts of Microsoft’s modern‑work strategy. It’s where Windows becomes tangible. It’s where silicon meets OS meets cloud. And it’s where innovation should feel bold again.

Surface has always been more than specs. It’s architecture, design, and detail. It’s the feeling of using something that’s been crafted, not assembled.

I’m excited for what’s coming but I do have my own aspiration list…..

• A re-launch of Surface Studio powered by NVIDIA RTX A creator‑class device that pushes Windows Studio effects, AI workflows, and Copilot experiences to the limit. With Pen and Ink… please!
• A revamped Surface Go ARM‑powered, lower entry price, modern design, and perfect for families, education, and frontline workers. Memory prices make this more viable than ever.
• More branded accessories Surface pens, keyboards, chargers, docks, headphones — yes, but I want more. Surface‑branded everything. The ecosystem deserves it.
• A Surface Studio Monitor The community wants it. The leadership team knows it. The Studio display is too good to stay locked inside an all‑in‑one.
• A bold new category Something that reminds us why Surface exists – to show what’s possible.

What do you want to see next from Surface? Drop your thoughts below…