Microsoft May Soon Power Surface Pro With ARM-based Processors

The upcoming versions of Surface Laptops and Surface Pro tablets are on the go. While there were a few rumors about Microsoft's next-generation models, the company has already developed prototypes of those products - which would come with either AMD or Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets, according to a recent report written by Petri.

A model called Surface Pro 7 in the Surface Pro lineup is supposed to be launched in late 2019. In addition to the basic specs of the predecessor, it will support a USB Type-C port over the Surface Connector, while keeping a likely look relative to the existing model. Under the hood, the Surface Pro model will be powered by an ARM-based processor. Instead of having only Intel's products underneath. Microsoft and Qualcomm are reportedly working on another custom chipset, dubbed Excalibur, especially for the Windows 10's optimization. A powerful chipset of Qualcomm is expected to increase battery life alongside an inbuilt LTE.

In the meantime, Intel's processors have been main supplementary for the Surface product line for the past few years. Keep in mind that this does not mean the company will no longer go along with Intel anymore, and the Surface models will continue running with Intel chipsets inside, instead of a complete abandon of all. Apart from the Surface Pro, the tech giant may roll out Surface Laptops featuring 12nm AMD Picasso processors soon.

It seems like Apple is not the only one who wants to reduce the dependency on the chip maker giant Intel. In spite of a long-standing history in the relationship, both Intel and Microsoft are on "shaky ground" at present, according to some sources that have disclosed with Petri. One of the most reasonable explanations for the deteriorating relationship between Microsoft and Intel could be not only the lack of innovative design but also Intel's delayed roadmap in chip production.