Everything Microsoft announced at its Surface for Business event 2025
Intel-powered Surface devices are finally here—but at a premium and only for business users.
Microsoft’s Surface for Business event 2025 has come and gone, and while it didn’t introduce a groundbreaking new lineup, it did bring some key updates to its Copilot+ PC lineup for business users.
As expected, Intel-powered versions of the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 were announced, finally giving enterprise customers an x86 alternative to last year’s Snapdragon-based Copilot+ PCs. But what really stood out was the introduction of the Surface USB4 Dock and updates to the Surface Hub 3.
So, what’s new? And more importantly, how does it compare to what Microsoft has already offered?
Kelechi Edeh
/1. Surface Laptop 7 (Intel)
Microsoft is bringing Intel’s Lunar Lake processors to the Surface Laptop 7, but if you were expecting a major redesign, you won’t find it here. The Intel and Snapdragon versions look identical, but under the hood, things are a little different.
This version features Intel’s Core Ultra 5 and Ultra 7 processors, delivering x86 compatibility for businesses that rely on legacy software. Microsoft says it’s up to 26% faster than the Surface Laptop 5, with 2x the graphics performance and 3x the battery life during Teams calls.
One standout feature is the return of anti-reflective screen technology, which helps reduce glare—something that was missing from last year’s model. There’s also a 5G variant coming later this year, marking the first time a Surface Laptop will support built-in cellular connectivity.
But the elephant in the room is the $1,499 price tag. With the Snapdragon version starting at $1,099, businesses will need to decide if x86 compatibility is worth the extra cost.
/2. Surface Pro 11 (Intel)
The Surface Pro 11 also gets an Intel refresh, but much like the Surface Laptop 7, it’s more of an internal upgrade than a full-blown redesign.
It now features Intel’s Core Ultra chips, promising 28% better CPU performance and 98% faster graphics than the Surface Pro 9. Battery life is also getting a boost, with Microsoft claiming it lasts 50% longer on Teams calls.
However, if you were hoping for the new OLED screen that Microsoft introduced with the Snapdragon version, you’re out of luck—the Intel model only comes with an LCD panel. What it does get, though, is the anti-reflective coating, making it easier to use in bright environments.
Starting at $1,499, this model is aimed at enterprise customers who still need x86 support. But with Snapdragon versions starting at $1,099, Microsoft is making a bet that businesses are willing to pay a premium for Intel chips. Like the Surface Laptop 7, this device would be available starting February 18.
/3. New Surface USB4 Dock
Another notable device Microsoft gave a glimpse at, is the New Surface USB4 Dock for its surface devices. This accessory features a range of ports, including USB4 Type-C, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, and Gigabit Ethernet, allowing users to connect up to two 4K 60Hz displays for enhanced productivity.
It is compatible with Surface devices having USB4 Type-C ports, the dock also supports older USB-C-enabled devices, albeit with limited capabilities.
The Surface USB4 Dock is a budget-friendly alternative to the Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock which costs $299.99., delivering essential connectivity features at a lower price point.
The new surface USB4 Dock will be available starting Feb. 18, 2025, at $199.99.
/4. New Surface Hub 3 Features
The Surface Hub 3 builds upon the existing Surface Hub 2S, improving the collaborative experience with deeper integration into Microsoft Teams.
The Surface Hub 3 upgrade brings advanced features and AI-powered interactive experiences, notably featuring Microsoft Edge integration for easy web access and browsing and Miracast support for wireless content sharing from Surface PCs to Surface Hub 3.
The general availability for Edge on Hub 3 is reported to be around Q3 2025.
/5. New Security Copilot in Surface Management Portal
Security Copilot was unveiled at the Surface 2025 event to be added to the surface management portal using generative AI to simplify device management.
Copilot will enable IT admins to: quickly resolve device issues, access warranty and support information, and streamline management tasks. This will reduce maintenance time and enhance productivity.
The public preview of Security Copilot will be available from February 24.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s latest Surface updates focus on expanding options rather than introducing all-new hardware. Bringing Intel chips back into the mix caters to enterprise users who still rely on x86 compatibility, while the new Surface Dock and AI-powered tools enhance productivity.
For businesses, it’s now a question of performance vs. compatibility—and whether paying more for Intel is worth it.
