Microsoft Surface Go 2 coming mid-May — and the iPad should be worried

By Michael Andronico
published

Microsoft's Surface Go 2 said to launch in coming weeks to take on Apple's iPad Air

Microsoft Surface Go 2
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Nearly two years after the launch of its predecessor, the release of the Microsoft Surface Go 2 could be imminent. And based on leaked specs we've seen in the past, Apple's entry-level iPads could have some serious competition from Microsoft. 

Citing sources close to Microsoft's plans, MSPowerUser (via TechRadar) reports that the Surface Go 2 could launch within the next few weeks. That may peg it for an early to mid-May launch.

It's worth noting that Microsoft's Build developer conference is proceeding as a digital-only event from May 19 to May 21, so it's possible that the company will take the wraps off of its new affordable 2-in-1 around that time. However, Build is generally focused on Windows updates, so it's no guarantee that we'll see new hardware at the event.

A Surface Go 2 leak from last month revealed some pretty impressive specs for Microsoft's upcoming tablets, including a dual-core Intel Core m3-1800Y processor with 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD and Intel UHD 615 graphics. There may also be a lower-end model available that packs an Intel Pentium 4425Y CPU.

These specs could make the Microsoft Surface Go 2 a serious threat to the $499 iPad Air, which starts with just 64GB of storage and packs only 3GB of RAM.

The original Microsoft Surface Go carries a starting MSRP of $399, and we expect its successor to go for a similar price. The Microsoft Store currently lists the Surface Go as out of stock, lending more weight to the possibility of Microsoft clearing space for an imminent Surface Go 2 launch.

Michael Andronico
Michael Andronico

Mike Andronico is Senior Writer at CNNUnderscored. He was formerly Managing Editor at Tom's Guide, where he wrote extensively on gaming, as well as running the show on the news front. When not at work, you can usually catch him playing Street Fighter, devouring Twitch streams and trying to convince people that Hawkeye is the best Avenger.