Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Ultra Takes Aim at Apple’s MacBook Pro
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Ultra is shaping up to be a direct competitor to Apple’s MacBook Pro, but the company’s approach is raising eyebrows. The Ultra, powered by Nvidia’s RTX Spark platform, will come in two variants: an 18-core chip and a 20-core version. The latter, initially expected only in mini PCs, is now being integrated into the Ultra, suggesting Microsoft is aiming for high-performance AI capabilities.
The 18-core model maxes out at 32GB of memory, while the 20-core version can go up to 128GB. Entry-level configurations will run Windows 11 Home, with higher-end models featuring Windows 11 Pro. This distinction hints at targeting different market segments, with the 20-core option clearly aimed at professionals needing advanced performance.
Microsoft is positioning the Ultra as a rival to Apple’s M5 Max MacBook Pro, focusing on AI capabilities and battery performance. The upcoming event will highlight the laptop’s ability to run local 120B parameter models and maintain high performance even when unplugged. These features directly challenge Apple’s strengths in AI workloads and battery efficiency.
The biggest unknown remains the price. While details are scarce, it’s safe to assume the 20-core Ultra won’t be cheap. Microsoft is betting big on this device, hoping to carve out a significant share of Apple’s dominant laptop market.