Surface Studio 2: what we want to see

Microsoft shook the globe when it unveiled its first-ever desktop PC in late 2016 with the Surface Studio, but, two years later we’re drooling yet again over the prospect of the sequel.

Just think about it – a Surface Studio with more powerful components, a sharper screen and the latest in wireless technology – the Surface Studio 2 could be the perfect opponent for Apple’s ever-evolving iMac lineup.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen little to no solid information, leaks or rumors regarding the Surface Studio 2, but we’ve at least heard that Microsoft is indeed working on it. So, with that faint sliver of information, let’s dive into the possibilities of a Surface Studio 2.

Cut to the chase

What is it? The would-be second Surface Studio desktop
When is it out? Possibly between September and November 2018
What will it cost? Likely as much as – if not more than – the current model

Surface Studio 2

Surface Studio 2 release date

The original Surface Studio launched in late 2016, so Microsoft’s iMac competitor is due for a refresh given the firm’s general cadence for Surface products that aren’t the Surface Pro.

However, we haven’t really heard anything about when the Surface Studio sequel is coming. All we have to go off of is a Windows Central report citing sources that said ‘Surface Studio 2 is a-go.’ As such, the outlet expects to see the device ‘in the fall.’

That amounts to anytime between September and November for a possible Surface Studio 2 release. Until more concrete leaks and rumors arrive, this is the expectation we’ll have to hold onto.

Surface Studio 2

Surface Studio 2 price

Sadly, there’s even less known regarding the Surface Studio 2’s possible pricing, i.e. absolutely nothing. So, all we can expect of the potential device’s price so far is for it to hold close to that of the previous model.

Currently, the Surface Studio goes for anywhere between $2,999 (£2,999, AU$4,699) and $4,199 (£4,249, AU$6,599). For Microsoft to go any further above that price might be a shot in the foot, especially considering the pricing of its primary competition, the Apple iMac line.

Conversely, it’s tough to expect Microsoft to drive the price much lower than it is now, either, as the original Surface Studio saw an impressive demand at its current price point during launch. Stay tuned to this space as more rumors and leaks come to light.

Surface Studio 2

What we want to see in Surface Studio 2

For as impressed as we were – and still are – by the Surface Studio, plenty has progressed in the nearly two years since its release, and there’s always room for improvement. Here’s what we hope to see come to fruition in the Surface Studio 2:

More powerful components
This is low-hanging fruit, to be sure, but we could’ve made this wish list when the Surface Studio first released, for it already was a bit lacking in hardware. This time around, a desktop-grade processor is all but essential, as are up-to-date graphics – a Coffee Lake Intel CPU and Nvidia Turing series mobile graphics would certainly do the trick. Plus, a proper SSD would be seen as a boon to the creatives its targeted for.

An even sharper screen
The current Surface Studio screen is absolutely gorgeous, sporting a massive 4,500 x 3,000-pixel resolution across the sRGB, DCI-P3 and Vivid color spaces. But, there’s no reason that it can’t go further. Seeing a 5K Surface Studio to directly rival the priciest iMac would be awfully exciting for content creators.

Thunderbolt 3 connectivity
For as versatile as the Thunderbolt 2 DisplayPort is on the current Surface Studio, it's time for Microsoft to collectively move onto Thunderbolt 3 via USB-C. Not only does the it offer more throughput for file transfers, it could also serve as a one plug hub for all displays and other peripherals you want to connect. If the Surface Studio 2 is to truly compete, it needs to respect this growing standard for its target audience’s sake.

All accessories included
For what it’s charging for the current – and will charge for the future – Surface Studio, Microsoft should be including all of the essential accessories in the box. Yes, that includes the awesome Surface Dial alongside the Surface Mouse and Keyboard. It’s only fair for a several-grand purchase.