Microsoft AI PC responds to tariff impacts: the thinnest Copilot+ is here, and the price of new Surface computers is lower

Although it is still uncertain whether the artificial intelligence (AI) PC market can take off, Microsoft undoubtedly wants to seize the opportunity to capture market share in the face of tariff impacts. The latest Surface computers not only come with AI model support but also have quietly reduced prices.

On May 6th, Eastern Time, Microsoft launched two new Copilot+ PCs in the Surface series, priced lower than the previous generation released last year, with longer battery life, although the core configurations have been scaled back.

The media believes that Microsoft's launch of new products after Trump announced new tariffs shows that Microsoft is trying to attract consumers by lowering prices. Raymond James analyst Andrew Marok pointed out that the demand for AI PCs remains limited, as their added value is still unclear. Nevertheless, with support for Windows 10 ending in October, Microsoft's device updates are expected to ride the wave of corporate upgrades.

New Devices: Smaller, Lighter, and More Affordable

On Tuesday, Microsoft announced two new Surface series products—the Surface Pro 12-inch starting at $799 and the Surface Laptop 13-inch starting at $899, both officially launching on May 20th. Their prices are $200 and $100 cheaper, respectively, compared to their previous generation versions released last year. Both devices use Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor instead of last year's 10-core processor, and the screen sizes are smaller than their predecessors, but Microsoft promises longer battery life.

The Surface Laptop 13-inch is described by Microsoft as the lightest and thinnest Surface laptop to date. It features a premium anodized aluminum casing and is available in three colors: Ocean Blue, Violet, and Platinum. Brett Ostrum, Microsoft's corporate vice president, stated in a blog that the performance of the new Surface laptop surpasses that of Apple's MacBook Air equipped with the M3 chip in 2024.

The Surface Pro 12-inch is referred to by Microsoft as the lightest and thinnest Copilot+ PC to date. It retains the signature versatility of a 2-in-1 device, functioning as both a laptop and a tablet, with an adjustable kickstand and a detachable keyboard. The Surface Slim Pen can now magnetically attach to the back of the tablet for charging and secure storage.

AI Features Become Selling Points, Market Acceptance Remains a Question

Both devices are classified as Copilot+ PCs, equipped with an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) capable of executing 450 trillion operations per second, or 45 TOPS, allowing them to run AI models without relying on the internet. Users can utilize the controversial Recall feature to remember previously displayed content on the screen, enhanced file search, and other AI-based functionalities.

Participants in the Windows Insider program will be able to try out AI agents in the settings app, which can respond to simple commands for system setting changes. The screenshot tool is also being updated to display only the most prominent information, reducing post-editing work.

However, media reports indicate that Copilot+ PCs are not selling well. Raymond James analyst Andrew Marok pointed out, "Market surveys show that demand for AI PCs is limited due to a lack of clear understanding of the value added, and as new business cases and tools develop."

Strategic Significance: Windows Ecosystem and Device Upgrades

Microsoft's computers do not rank high in sales among major brands, but the Surface product line helps the company diversify and showcase the capabilities of PCs running its Windows operating system. In the context of Windows 10 support ending this October, the launch of updated devices is particularly important. At that time, Microsoft will stop releasing software updates, security fixes, and support, although the company has committed to offering a one-year extended security update plan for $30 for those who are not yet ready to upgrade.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told analysts during last week's earnings call, "As Windows 10 support nears its end, we continue to see increased commercial appeal. The commercial deployment of Windows 11 has grown nearly 75% year-over-year."

Whether the pricing strategy of these new devices, along with longer battery life and AI features, can attract enough consumers and enterprise users remains to be seen in the market. However, with the end of Windows 10 support, Microsoft is clearly preparing to seize this opportunity to advance its AI PC strategy