Microsoft may suspend the launch of the ARM version of Surface Go 4
Last year, Microsoft introduced the Surface Pro 9, offering an ARM version (Qualcomm SQ3) as an option. By adopting ARM on its most emblematic hardware, Microsoft has demonstrated its considerable emphasis on ARM architecture’s position within its future ecosystem. Although it was originally anticipated that Microsoft would unveil further ARM architecture-based hardware, the latest reports indicate that the company has temporarily suspended the launch of the Surface Go 4.
Windows Central, earlier this year, received an insider tip that Microsoft planned to launch a new generation of Surface Go 4 in the fall, equipped with an ARM chip. However, recent updates suggest that Microsoft has put this plan on hold, instead opting for a minor redesign featuring an upgraded CPU. The reason behind this move is unclear, but it is likely due to the Surface Go being primarily targeted at business users, and in the commercial market, applications in the ARM environment are not yet mature. At this stage, it might not be opportune to release an ARM version of Surface Go. Nevertheless, it can be confirmed that Microsoft will continue to develop an ARM version of Surface Go and has not chosen to abandon it.
The new Surface Go will retain the existing appearance of the Surface Go 3, with the internal change limited to the replacement of the CPU with an Intel N200, a low-power-oriented CPU with a Gracemont architecture (as seen in the 12th and 13th generation Core E-core), 4 cores and 4 threads, and a maximum frequency of 3.7GHz. This represents an improvement in both strength and energy efficiency over the current Core i3-10100Y model.
This new device is likely to be named the Surface Go 3+ rather than the next-generation Surface Go 4, and its casing has already been adapted from the Surface Go 2 hardware upgrade, with no significant changes to its appearance or main features for quite some time. However, despite the lack of substantial hardware innovation, the Surface Go remains one of the few reliable options in the 10-inch portable laptop computer market.
