Microsoft scales back use of Copilot+ PC label on its laptops

The Surface division confirms that the new models no longer carry the Copilot+ PC label, even though they have the capabilities. This shift comes as DRAM prices are rising, with an expected increase of 13 to 18% in the third quarter according to TrendForce, and some Surfaces are now offered with 8 GB, below the label's criteria.

Requirements Weakened by Recall and DRAM Prices

Among the highlighted features, Recall has raised significant concerns regarding privacy. Microsoft has postponed its launch and modified its protections, making the feature optional and storing data locally. At the same time, the Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Pro 12-inch are now available in 8 GB versions, which no longer meet the Copilot+ label requirements. The pressure on RAM prices is increasing: in July, TrendForce predicted a 13 to 18% rise in DRAM contract prices in the third quarter, as manufacturers shift their production towards AI servers. The threshold of 16 GB, deemed reasonable in 2024, is becoming harder to impose on affordable models, and AI-related demand is contributing to the rising cost of components.

Microsoft Removes the Label from Its Machines, Without Abandoning AI

The Copilot+ PC label, launched in May 2024 to distinguish certain computers capable of executing AI functions locally, is gradually disappearing from communications around Microsoft laptops. Brett Ostrum, who leads the Surface range, indicated that the new machines no longer carry this name, even though they still meet the technical requirements of the program. Two years after presenting these computers as the future of Windows, Microsoft is adjusting its brand positioning while continuing to integrate AI into Windows. The company is now focusing on marketing Surface rather than promoting a common Copilot+ PC label across multiple devices.

What Copilot+ PC Guaranteed in Terms of Hardware and Functions

To be labeled Copilot+ PC, a computer had to have at least 16 GB of RAM and an NPU reaching a power of 40 TOPS. This configuration did not provide a performance boost to the Copilot assistant but granted access to certain Windows features utilizing the NPU, such as Recall, Cocreator in Paint, automatic subtitle translation, and some video effects.

A Promise Clouded Between "AI PC," Copilot, and Copilot+

The proliferation of terms like AI PC, PCs equipped with Copilot, and Copilot+ PC has fueled confusion about the actual scope of the label. The Copilot assistant operates in a browser without requiring specific hardware, which limits the direct interest of the label for the user. The functions associated with the NPU did not necessarily encourage users to replace a functioning PC. Even after adjustments made to Recall, the image of the Copilot+ brand has been affected. In this context, promoting technical requirements while offering products that do not meet them has contributed to making the offering less clear.