The Surface Pro 8 has still not been unveiled by Microsoft, but reports suggest we’ll still see the convertible laptop hit stores before the end of 2021.
While the Surface Laptop 4 was revealed in April 2021, there’s been no mention of the upcoming Surface Pro 8 from Microsoft. Windows Latest reports that the Surface Pro 8 will instead launch in October or November this year, likely coinciding with Microsoft’s annual Surface Event.
With Microsoft launching a Surface Pro 7+ exclusively for the business market, featuring Intel’s 11th generation (Tiger Lake) chipset, all of the signs support the idea that the Surface Pro 8 won’t be launching until the second-half of this year.
Parmar also suggests the Surface Pro 8 will feature a new quad-core Intel processor and up to 32GB of RAM, while seeing noticeable improvements to the design. Microsoft insider Zac Bowden via (Windows Central) suggests there will be optional LTE support for select configurations too, allowing for on-the-go connectivity.
For more details on the Surface Pro 8 keep scrolling down and make sure Trusted Reviews is bookmarked.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 release date – When will it launch?
The Surface Pro 8 is rumoured (by Windows Latest) to arrive in October / November 2021.
It had previously been rumoured to launch in January 2021, but it looks like Microsoft has decided to wait until the annual Surface Event rather than launching it early like with the Surface Laptop 4.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 price – How much will it cost?
The Surface Pro 8 will likely have a starting price of around £799.
This is the same original retail price of the Surface Pro 7, as Microsoft typically retains the same price point between generations. Although the reported LTE option will likely be more expensive.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Specs – How powerful it be?
Microsoft expert Zac Bowden (via Windows Central) has indicated that the Surface Pro 8 could feature Intel 11th-Generation processors (aka Tiger Lake) with Intel Iris Xe graphics.
This seems very likely to us, as Microsoft likes to use the latest and greatest mobile processors for its laptop range. The likes of Acer, Dell and Lenovo have already announced they’re moving onto Intel’s 11th Generation chips, so it’s no surprise to see Microsoft doing the same.
Intel claims Tiger Lake allows for improved battery life, while also seeing a 2x more powerful integrated graphics performance compared to its Ice Lake predecessor. Tiger Lake also supports Thunderbolt 4, although Microsoft has been reluctant to use Thunderbolt previously so there’s no guarantee it will feature on the Surface Pro 8.
However, it’s possible Bowden got mixed up with the Surface Pro 7+, which has already been confirmed to feature that chipset. By November 2021, it’s possible that Intel will have launched its 12th Generation mobile processors, which could persuade Microsoft to switch to the newer CPU.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 design – How will it look?
A report from Windows Latest suggests the Surface Pro 8 design “won’t be changed completely, but there’ll be some noticeable improvements.”
We don’t know much more beyond that, but we’d guess that Microsoft could be slimming down the bezel for a more modern look.
Credit: USPTO / Microsoft
Leaked patents from USPTO (that emerged in early 2020) have also shown that the Surface Pro 8 kickstand could potentially feature solar panels or an integrated speaker. We’re not ruling out either just yet, but we’re also very doubtful these features will come to fruition. Patents rarely indicate the features of an end product, so it’s best not to get your hopes up.
That’s all we know about the upcoming Surface Pro 8 so far. For more news, keep your eyes on Trusted Reviews as we’ll update this article as soon as more details drop.