Microsoft has officially halted production of the Surface Studio 2+, its high-end all-in-one desktop known for its sleek design and creative functionality.
Confirming the decision to Windows Central, the company stated, “Customers can continue to purchase Surface Studio 2+ through retailers and partners with stock. For areas reaching out of stock, Surface Studio 2+ will no longer be available for new purchases.”
This signals the likely end of Microsoft’s Surface Studio line, a series that aimed to redefine desktop computing for creative professionals but struggled to find a sustainable market niche.
From Bold Beginnings to a Quiet Exit
The Surface Studio debuted in 2016 as an ambitious addition to Microsoft’s Surface lineup. Its standout features included a 28-inch PixelSense touchscreen display and a zero-gravity hinge, which allowed the screen to tilt effortlessly into a drafting-table position.
Paired with the Surface Pen and Surface Dial, the Surface Studio targeted graphic designers, illustrators, and architects seeking a versatile and tactile creative tool.
At launch, the Surface Studio was praised for its design innovation but criticized for its premium pricing, starting at $2,999, and its use of outdated hardware. These issues would persist throughout the product’s lifecycle, culminating in the release of the Surface Studio 2+ in 2022.
Surface Studio 2+: Refresh Undermined by Old Hardware
Unveiled in October 2022, the Surface Studio 2+ was introduced as a refresh of the 2018 Surface Studio 2 rather than a true next-generation device.
When the Surface Studio 2+ launched, critics pointed out that while the device retained its signature design and functionality, its outdated specifications made it difficult to justify the high price tag.
Microsoft opted for an 11th Gen Intel Core H35 processor and Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU—components that were nearly two years old at the time. This decision, coupled with a $4,500 starting price, drew widespread criticism. Many questioned whether Microsoft’s strategy was sustainable for a product line already struggling to gain traction.
Despite the performance boost over its predecessor, the Surface Studio 2+ failed to compete with alternatives like Apple’s iMac, which continued to innovate with advanced hardware and features such as the M4 chip and nano-texture display options.
Microsoft’s Changing Hardware Priorities
The discontinuation of the Surface Studio 2+ is part of a broader shift within Microsoft’s hardware division. In recent years, the company has streamlined its Surface portfolio, discontinuing products like the Surface Duo and Surface Earbuds.
This move reflects a focus on mainstream and enterprise-oriented devices, such as the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop series, which continue to receive regular updates.
Microsoft has increasingly prioritized integrating AI-driven tools like Microsoft Copilot into its hardware lineup. These tools are designed to enhance productivity by offering intelligent suggestions and automation across applications.
Updated versions of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop lines, featuring Copilot integration, are expected in 2025, signaling Microsoft’s commitment to mass-market solutions.
A Gap in the Creative Market
The end of the Surface Studio 2+ leaves a void in the Windows all-in-one PC market. While competitors like HP and Lenovo offer high-end alternatives, none match the drafting-table functionality and touch precision that defined the Surface Studio.
Apple’s iMac, which consistently integrates cutting-edge hardware and design, remains the dominant player in this segment.
Legacy of the Surface Studio
The Surface Studio’s discontinuation marks the end of a bold experiment in redefining desktop computing for creatives. While its design and functionality set a high bar, the series struggled to balance innovation with affordability and performance.
Although no successor is currently planned, some speculate that Microsoft could revisit the concept in the form of a standalone touchscreen display. For now, the Surface Studio’s exit underscores Microsoft’s shifting priorities and raises questions about the company’s long-term vision for creative professionals.
