Microsoft recently announced updated versions of its smallest Surface tablet and laptop, and the new models come with substantially higher prices than their predecessors. The Surface Pro 12-inch now starts at $1,149.99, while the Surface Laptop 13-inch begins at $1,199. Both devices are scheduled to arrive in select markets on October 13.
The price increase is noticeable, though not entirely unexpected. When Microsoft first released these lines in May 2025, the Surface Pro 12-inch started at $799 and the Surface Laptop 13-inch at $899. That means the new starting prices represent a jump of roughly $350 for the Pro and $300 for the Laptop compared to the original launch pricing. Microsoft previously increased Surface prices in April, citing rising memory costs as a contributing factor.
Both updated devices run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Plus chip. Microsoft revealed the new models during Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit, and the company says the upgrades deliver faster everyday performance and improved graphics. Microsoft reports up to 17% faster performance for routine tasks such as email and document editing, and claims graphics performance is more than 60% faster than last year’s models. The updated units also feature touchscreens that are about 25% brighter and introduce a new Black color option.
The Surface Laptop 13-inch loses its fan
The Surface Laptop 13-inch retains its full-size backlit keyboard and a slightly taller touchscreen, providing a comfortable typing and viewing experience. Microsoft rates battery life at up to 22.5 hours of video playback, a metric many buyers consider when choosing a portable machine.
One of the most significant design changes is internal: the new Laptop has no active cooling fan. That means it should operate silently under normal use, which is appealing if you prefer a quieter workspace. However, the fanless design may affect sustained performance under heavy workloads compared with actively cooled machines.
As for pricing, the $1,199 starting point matches the current selling price of last year’s model after April’s price increases. In other words, the new Laptop is being introduced at the same price many customers are already paying today for the previous-generation device, but with updated internals.
The Surface Pro 12-inch gets a new sketching app
The Surface Pro 12-inch continues to serve as a hybrid device, functioning as both a tablet and a laptop with the right accessories. Like the earlier model, the new Pro is fanless. Microsoft also says the updated Pro lasts about an hour longer when browsing the web, improving on battery endurance for everyday use.
Buyers should note that the detachable keyboard and Slim Pen are sold separately, so the listed base price does not reflect the true cost of a full laptop-like setup. Adding the keyboard and pen will raise the total price for users who want to use the Pro in laptop mode or for pen-first workflows.
New software features arrive with this model as well. The Pro includes Ink Canvas, a fresh Microsoft app designed for sketching, note taking, and quick ideation. Ink Canvas includes AI-enhanced tools that can refine rough sketches into clearer images and summarize handwritten notes. Those AI tools require a Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, or Premium subscription to access advanced features. Microsoft is also offering a business-oriented Pro option that supports 5G cellular connectivity, enabling online access without relying on Wi‑Fi.
On paper, both updated Surfaces deliver meaningful improvements — faster chips, brighter displays, longer battery life in the Pro, and a fanless Laptop design for quieter operation. At the same time, they are no longer positioned as lower-cost options in Microsoft’s lineup. Buyers who prioritize price over the latest performance gains may find better value in prior-generation models, which remain on sale at many retailers and occasionally appear at discounted prices.