19:46Machine-translated from Azerbaijani by AIRead in Azerbaijani
Microsoft drops the Copilot+ PC name from new Windows laptops
Microsoft is moving away from the Copilot+ PC name for Windows laptops. At the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit 2026 event, Surface division head Brett Ostrum said new devices are no longer being promoted under this name. Those models meet all the previous Copilot+ PC requirements. Nevertheless, the branding was not used on any of the Surface devices introduced this year.
The company began using the Copilot+ PC name in 2024. The label distinguished computers with a separate processing unit called an NPU for running AI features. Such chips are now found in most midrange and high-end laptops. As a result, the branding had become a label indicating compliance with technical requirements rather than a name showing buyers a clear advantage. Although the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop meet those requirements, they are not called Copilot+ PCs. Qualcomm executive Kedar Kondap said the name would most likely not be used for computers with the same capabilities. The branding was also omitted from the Nvidia RTX Spark initiative. All of this indicates that the decision is not limited to Surface models. Recall, considered one of the brand’s key features, faced harsh criticism in 2024 over privacy and security concerns. Although Microsoft initially called these computers the fastest and smartest Windows devices, that description was unclear to buyers. The persistent display of AI features within Windows also caused dissatisfaction. The Copilot button can now be reassigned, but it is unclear whether the button will remain on future devices.
The change comes as Microsoft restructures its AI strategy. Last month, the company abandoned the animated Mico character that represented the Copilot brand. The updated Copilot assistant was also unveiled on September 25. As rivals such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini strengthen their positions in the market, the company is seeking a different approach. Microsoft will hold an event on October 7 about the impact of on-device AI on the future of personal computers. The company is preparing to use Nvidia chips in its main devices and may present this as a new phase of personal AI for Windows. However, there has been no official announcement about which brand will replace the Copilot+ PC name. Current information indicates only that the old name will not be used for future products.
The company began using the Copilot+ PC name in 2024. The label distinguished computers with a separate processing unit called an NPU for running AI features. Such chips are now found in most midrange and high-end laptops. As a result, the branding had become a label indicating compliance with technical requirements rather than a name showing buyers a clear advantage. Although the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop meet those requirements, they are not called Copilot+ PCs. Qualcomm executive Kedar Kondap said the name would most likely not be used for computers with the same capabilities. The branding was also omitted from the Nvidia RTX Spark initiative. All of this indicates that the decision is not limited to Surface models. Recall, considered one of the brand’s key features, faced harsh criticism in 2024 over privacy and security concerns. Although Microsoft initially called these computers the fastest and smartest Windows devices, that description was unclear to buyers. The persistent display of AI features within Windows also caused dissatisfaction. The Copilot button can now be reassigned, but it is unclear whether the button will remain on future devices. The change comes as Microsoft restructures its AI strategy. Last month, the company abandoned the animated Mico character that represented the Copilot brand. The updated Copilot assistant was also unveiled on September 25. As rivals such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini strengthen their positions in the market, the company is seeking a different approach. Microsoft will hold an event on October 7 about the impact of on-device AI on the future of personal computers. The company is preparing to use Nvidia chips in its main devices and may present this as a new phase of personal AI for Windows. However, there has been no official announcement about which brand will replace the Copilot+ PC name. Current information indicates only that the old name will not be used for future products.