Microsoft brings Surface classic back from the dead

Microsoft Surface lineup 2026 — (Image credit: Microsoft)

Quick Summary

Microsoft revealed its latest Surface products – the Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Pro 12-inch – at Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, highlighting the devices' use of the Snapdragon X2 Plus processor.

There was a surprise addition in among that line-up, with a new Surface Mouse also revealed. The previous mouse product was discontinued in 2023, so this 2026 refresh – with integrated haptic feedback – shows renewed demand for such a product.

At this year's Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit – where the chip-maker revealed its latest 'Extreme' processor for Android phones – there have also been many hardware reveals.

That includes for PC, with Microsoft showcasing its latest Surface product line-up, revealing the 2026 versions of the Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Pro 12-inch. Both feature the Snapdragon X2 Plus chipset.

While those two products are key to Microsoft's portfolio, the tech giant also revealed a new Surface Mouse – which was a welcome surprise, seeing as the previous mouse product was discontinued in 2023, following iterative product releases since its debut in 2016.

Surface Pro 12

The Surface Pro 12 is a fanless Windows machine that follows a familiar presentation: it doesn't look different to the first-gen model, as revealed last year, but upgrades some hardware features.

The Snapdragon X2 Plus processor is what drives the enhanced power available, while Microsoft has also introduced a new touchscreen display that's 25% brighter than its predecessor.

Touch is an important factor for Surface, which is why the brand has introduced Microsoft Ink Canvas – an AI-powered experience optimised for the Slim Pen. This software layer will be pre-installed on device and introduced on other supported Surface and Windows devices from 13 October.

That's the key date when Surface Pro 12-inch will go on sale, with a $1149.99 suggested retail price (other regions TBA). That means it's a pricier machine than the first-gen model, which you can pick up right now for $779.

Surface Laptop 13

The other key launch is the 2026 refresh of the 13-inch Surface Laptop, also using Snapdragon X2 Plus in a fanless form for silent, long-lasting use.

Continuing with its established premium design, the Surface Laptop 13 has an aluminium body, full-size backlit keyboard, and is available in a new Black finish.

The display is a taller-than-average 3:2 aspect ratio, making it ideal for work. This panel, just like the Surface Pro 12, is 25% brighter than its predecessor, ensuring it can compete at the premium level.

Also available from 13 October, the Surface Laptop 13-inch will be priced at $1,199 (other regions TBA) – positioning this edition model at an even lower price than its 12th-generation predecessor.

Mike is T3's Tech Editor. He's been writing about consumer technology for 15 years and his beat covers phones – of which he's seen hundreds of handsets over the years – laptops, gaming, TV & audio, and more. There's little consumer tech he's not had a hand at trying, and with extensive commissioning and editing experience, he knows the industry inside out. As the former Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint for 10 years where he furthered his knowledge and expertise, whilst writing about literally thousands of products, he's also provided work for publications such as Wired, The Guardian, Metro, and more.