Redmond-based tech juggernaut Microsoft is reportedly planning to refresh its ARM-powered Surface Pro X with the Surface Pro X2 In the Fall of 2020. The company introduced the Surface Pro X in October 2019. Based on a recent report, it appears that Microsoft is releasing its successor with a beefier chipset.
Windows Central earlier reported that Mirosoft might release the Surface Pro X2 this year. It claimed that the upcoming device would sport a new finish and better internals. The 2-in1 machine would be allegedly updated with the new SQ2 processor, the report revealed.
The major change in the upcoming device's external feature would be its new color option. The company has been offering its surface devices in Platinum color and recently in Matte Black. Interestingly, the report claimed that the Surface Pro X2 would also be available in Platinum color.
The current-generation Surface Pro X is available only in bBlack color. The new color option in the next-generation Surface Pro X is apparently the company's way of indicating that the Surface Pro X2 would be ready for mainstream consumers. The upcoming device's Type cover would be reportedly available in colors found in the standard Surface Pro device.
It's finally here. The Surface Pro X is available today to help you work and create at the intersection of mobility, productivity, and speed. Buy yours today: https://t.co/vywTIkc1Zl pic.twitter.com/nReB9fyuEq — Microsoft Surface (@surface) November 5, 2019
In terms of the new SQ2 processor, it is possible that it is based on the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2. It is anticipated to feature optimized performance compared to last year's SQ1. The Redmond tech giant is reportedly planning to launch the x86 64-bit app emulation in the later part of 2020, according to reports.
If this is accurate, future Surface Pro X2 owners could be assured that the 2-in-1 machine would not suffer the same apps issue that the current-generation device encountered. The Surface Pro X is only capable of emulating 32-bit x86 apps. x86 is the standard set used by AMD and Intel CPUs, as well as what majority of apps and games utilize.
Modern programs, however, use the 64-bit variant, which ARM-powered CPUs could not emulate. In other words, the Surface Pro X lacks apps. But, it seems that Microsoft already found a solution on SQ2 running on Surface Pro X2, assuming that the emulation works smoothly. Microsoft's step could also attract developers to start transitioning their apps to ARM.
Unfortunately, the report claimed that the Surface Pro X2 might not feature 5G support. However, one of the major features of 8cx Gen 2 is 5G support, which is good news if the SQ2 is based on this chip, which could mean it has 5G support. While these details are interesting, it is worth mentioning that these are unconfirmed and unofficial.
