Microsoft Launches 8 GB RAM Surface Pro and Laptop Models, Losing Copilot+ Status

Microsoft has added lower‑priced 8 GB RAM variants of its Surface Pro (12‑inch) and Surface Laptop (13‑inch) to the 2026 lineup. In the United States the entry price is $849 for the Pro tablet and $949 for the Laptop, both with 256 GB SSDs and Snapdragon X Plus chips in the ARM‑based models, while the Intel‑based version cited by other outlets uses 13th‑gen Core processors.

These 8 GB configurations are priced slightly above the original 2025 launch prices for the 16 GB versions, but they no longer qualify as Windows Copilot+ PCs because Microsoft requires a minimum of 16 GB RAM to enable AI features such as Recall, Click to Do, live captions with real‑time translation, Windows Studio Effects and Cocreator. As a result, buyers lose access to the AI capabilities Microsoft has promoted for Windows 11.

Performance is adequate for basic productivity, web browsing and light media use, but the reduced memory may cause slowdowns in heavy multitasking or resource‑intensive applications. The new models are sold alongside the existing 16 GB versions, which retain full Copilot+ functionality.

The devices are being sold in the United States, Germany (where 16 GB models are still available at about €749) and China, reflecting a global rollout of the “budget” configuration.