Microsoft introduced the Copilot+ PC brand about two years ago. Its purpose was to distinguish Windows computers that had the necessary hardware for specific AI features. However, now the company is not using this branding on its new Surface devices. This is indicating that Microsoft is changing its branding strategy regarding AI PC.
According to the report, the name of Copilot + PC is not visible anywhere on the new Surface device launched in 2026. The special thing is that the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop technically meet the old requirements set for Copilot+ PC.
Copilot+ PC not written in new Surface PC
According to a Windows Central report, Microsoft Surface CVP Brett Ostrom has confirmed that the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are not being called Copilot+ PCs. He also said that these devices meet all the technical requirements that were previously set for the Copilot+ device. However, the company has not clarified why it decided to remove Copilot+ branding from the new device.
40 TOPS NPU was necessary
One of the key requirements for the Copilot+ PC was that the device must have an NPU with at least 40 TOPS AI performance. Microsoft had also introduced many AI features for such computers, which were exclusively available on these devices.
But even in the new Surface computers, Microsoft’s focus remains on AI. These devices can process many AI tasks on the device itself and use the cloud as per need.
This does not mean that the technical requirements of Copilot+ PC are gone. At present the change is mainly visible in branding.
Preparing new branding for AI PC?
AI features are now gradually becoming a normal part of new computers. In such a situation, Microsoft is probably moving towards creating a more comprehensive identity for AI computing instead of introducing the next generation Windows PC only under the name Copilot + PC.
At present it is not clear whether the company will remove the Copilot+ name from all upcoming Surface and other Windows devices or not. However, removing this branding from the new 2026 Surface models definitely signals a change in Microsoft’s AI PC strategy.
