Microsoft’s Surface PC Landscape: A Shift in Chip Partnerships
By 2026, Microsoft is poised to unveil a new lineup of Surface PCs, showcasing a diverse array of processors from leading chip manufacturers. Among the anticipated offerings are devices powered by Intel, Snapdragon, and soon, NVIDIA. However, one notable absence in this evolving landscape is AMD, a chipmaker that once had a foothold in Microsoft’s Surface portfolio.
The inclusion of AMD chips in the Surface lineup was a significant milestone when Microsoft introduced the Surface Laptop 3 in 2019. This model marked the first time the Surface series featured both Intel and AMD options, a duality that lasted only two generations before being phased out with the launch of the Surface Laptop 5.
There have been whispers of a potential revival, particularly with the rumored development of an AMD-powered Surface device utilizing the Arm-based chip codenamed Sound Wave. Initially expected to debut this year, the Sound Wave chip has yet to materialize, leaving enthusiasts and industry watchers speculating about its fate.
The uncertainty surrounding the Sound Wave APU raises questions about its potential positioning within Microsoft’s product lineup. Details regarding whether this chip is intended for high-end applications remain elusive.
Currently, Microsoft maintains that the absence of AMD from its Surface PCs is due to a constrained portfolio, indicating that there simply isn’t enough space for additional chip options at this time. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, one can only hope that the rumored Surface powered by AMD’s Sound Wave chip has not been entirely shelved.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
