The Laptop Studio is the latest all-new product in Microsoft’s Surface lineup, although it was announced in September 2021.
This original device replaced the Surface Book 3, ditching the detachable screen in favor of a three-position fixed design. You can use it like a regular 14.4-inch laptop, pull the screen forward in “stage mode” or lay it flat in “studio mode.” As mentioned in our full review, each one is really useful, but there’s definitely still room for improvement.
So what can we expect from the upcoming second generation? Here’s everything we know so far.
When will Surface Laptop Studio 2 be released?
A new Surface Laptop Studio was always likely at some point in 2023, and it looks like we’ll see the second generation before the end of the year.
It was originally supposed to be Spring, with Windows Central’s Zac Bowden describing it as a “shipping target” in a February 2023 post.
However, Bowden acknowledged a few weeks earlier that recent layoffs at Microsoft could have an effect on that timeline, and now it looks like there won’t be any new Surface devices until the end of the year.
In a Windows Central video from March 2023, he said the Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Surface Go 4 were “launched in the second half of the year.” Instead, a new camera, webcam, speaker, and docking station were all expected, with the latter now launching.
But there’s evidence that the Laptop Studio 2 is on the way, with multiple Geekbench 6 listings from February 2023 showing a device that appears to be this:
For context, here’s when the latest models were released, both for the original Laptop Studio line and the Surface Book it replaced:
How much will the Surface Laptop Studio 2 cost?
Pricing is one of the last things to be revealed about a product – you might have to wait for Laptop Studio 2 to launch. But unless there are substantial upgrades, chances are it is almost identical to the original:
- Core i5, 16GB RAM, 256GB storage: $1,599.99/£1,449
- Core i5, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage: $1,799.99/£1,649
- Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage: $2,099.99/£1,899
- Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB storage: $2,699.99/£2,477
- Core i7, 32GB RAM, 2TB storage: $3,099.99/£2,879
Despite high inflation rates around the world, the next Laptop Studio may be slightly cheaper. The price is one of the main things that counts against the original, which makes it hard to justify for the average consumer. Bringing this form factor to a wider audience will surely be in Microsoft’s plans.
What will Surface Laptop Studio 2 specs and features be?
If the Geekbench 6 listings turn out to be the Surface Laptop Studio 2, a few key specs are revealed.
There seem to be at least two main models: one with an Intel Core i7-13700H processor and 16 GB of RAM, and another with a Core i7-13800H and 64 GB of RAM. The latter also appears to be available with the option of a discrete Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU (rather than Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics), which would make it Microsoft’s most powerful laptop to date.
Upgrading to Intel’s 13th Gen processors and RTX 40-series graphics would be a big step up for Surface Laptop Studio performance and power efficiency.
However, this may be where the upgrades end. Windows Central’s Zac Bowden says “not expecting any major updates to the external chassis design”, and that there probably won’t be an alternative to the 14.4-inch screen size . Both simply cite his sources, but Bowden has a solid track record for Surface news.
That means the second-gen model is likely to look a lot like the original. That means you’ll get the same high-end design, three fixed modes, and oversized bezels, though none of these require urgent attention.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
There’s still a chance that Microsoft will update the display specs, although it still seems to be happy with LCD over OLED. The display already has a high 2400×1600 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate that can dynamically adjust depending on what you’re doing, making it one of the original’s strong points.
The same can be said for the impressive 1080p and IR sensor, which guarantees excellent video calls and reliable face unlock. But it would be nice to see a separate fingerprint scanner, potentially integrated into the power button.
Given the thickness of the Laptop Studio, there must also be more ports. Adding USB-A and HDMI to the existing USB-C and 3.5mm headphone jack would be great, and ditching the Surface Connect port for USB-C charging might free up space.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Battery life is already a key strength of the device, but it would be nice to see an increase in maximum capacity to 58Wh. It also currently takes over two hours to fully charge, which needs to be improved in the next iteration.
As you can see, a few small improvements could make the second-gen Surface Laptop Studio a much more attractive device. But nothing has been confirmed or even rumored at this point – we’ll update this article once more information becomes known.
For an overview of other products likely to launch this year, check out our separate guides to the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6.
