{"version":1,"type":"story","url":"https://digestai.news/story/microsoft-removes-copilot-pc-label-from-new-surface-devices","json":"https://digestai.news/story/microsoft-removes-copilot-pc-label-from-new-surface-devices.json","markdown":"https://digestai.news/story/microsoft-removes-copilot-pc-label-from-new-surface-devices.md","slug":"microsoft-removes-copilot-pc-label-from-new-surface-devices","headline":"Microsoft removes Copilot+ PC label from new Surface devices","summary":"Microsoft stopped using the **Copilot+ PC** branding on its latest Surface systems, though the underlying hardware and AI features remain unchanged. The company confirmed to *Windows Central* that new Surface devices still meet the **Copilot+ PC** requirements—an NPU with at least **40 TOPS**, **16GB RAM**, and **256GB storage**—but no longer carry the name. Microsoft continues to reference the category in Windows documentation, indicating the AI features (like **Recall**, **Click to Do**, and **Live Captions**) are still supported on compatible hardware.\n\nThe shift follows Qualcomm’s similar stance. Kedar Kondap, SVP of Compute at Qualcomm, said the **Copilot+ PC** label was meant to define a hardware category for NPU-based AI experiences but noted manufacturers may now offer those features without the branding. Microsoft introduced **Copilot+ PCs** in **May 2024** alongside the **Snapdragon X Elite** chip, but **Recall**—a key feature—was delayed due to security concerns before its eventual return. Industry observers suggest the rebranding reflects low adoption of these AI capabilities.","keyPoints":["Microsoft drops Copilot+ PC label from new Surface devices but keeps hardware requirements and AI features","Qualcomm says manufacturers may continue offering NPU-based AI experiences without the Copilot+ PC branding","Recall and other Copilot+ features remain available on compatible hardware, per Microsoft’s documentation"],"whyItMatters":"The rebranding signals Microsoft’s pivot away from a poorly adopted AI hardware category, potentially freeing up marketing focus for more widely used features. It also suggests Qualcomm and OEMs may follow suit, simplifying product naming for NPU-powered devices.","category":{"slug":"hardware","name":"Hardware & Compute","url":"https://digestai.news/category/hardware"},"entities":{"companies":["Microsoft","Qualcomm","Windows Central"],"models":[],"people":["Brett Ostrum","Kedar Kondap"]},"firstPublishedAt":"2026-09-24T11:00:00Z","updatedAt":"2026-09-24T12:39:00Z","sourceCount":2,"hasPrimarySource":false,"sources":[{"outlet":"videocardz.com","title":"It may be over for Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft drops the name from new Surface systems","url":"https://videocardz.com/newz/it-may-be-over-for-copilot-pcs-microsoft-drops-the-name-from-new-surface-systems","publishedAt":"2026-09-24T11:00:00Z","type":"press","primary":false,"lead":true},{"outlet":"techpowerup.com","title":"Microsoft Copilot+ Branding Disappears from Latest Surface PCs","url":"https://techpowerup.com/353060/microsoft-copilot-branding-disappears-from-latest-surface-pcs","publishedAt":"2026-09-24T12:39:00Z","type":"press","primary":false,"lead":false}],"sourceNotes":null,"discussions":[],"thread":null,"cite":{"text":"Digest AI, \"Microsoft removes Copilot+ PC label from new Surface devices\", 24 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/microsoft-removes-copilot-pc-label-from-new-surface-devices","publisher":"Digest AI","title":"Microsoft removes Copilot+ PC label from new Surface devices","datePublished":"2026-09-24T11:00:00Z","url":"https://digestai.news/story/microsoft-removes-copilot-pc-label-from-new-surface-devices"},"generatedBy":"Written by Digest AI's editorial model from the linked sources; the sources are the record.","license":"Headlines, digests and key points are written by Digest AI and may be quoted with a link to the story page. Linked articles belong to their publishers. Terms: https://digestai.news/terms#reuse"}