Microsoft is rumored to be launching smaller and more affordable versions of its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop devices this spring, according to a report from Windows Central. The new devices are expected to feature 11- to 12-inch screens, Windows on Arm, and lighter but still "premium" designs, with prices ranging from $800 to $900.

The rumor comes just less than a year after Microsoft launched its first Qualcomm Snapdragon X-powered Surface devices. The new devices are said to be powered by cheaper chipsets, such as the Snapdragon X Plus or the recently launched Snapdragon X, which would allow Microsoft to keep prices lower than its current Surface lineup.

The smaller Surface Pro is described as a competitor to Apple's 11-inch iPad Pro, but it's unclear if it's positioned to replace the old Surface Go series, which was last updated with the business-focused Surface Go 4. The Surface Laptop Go 3, on the other hand, could be getting a replacement soon, with the new device potentially offering better battery life and performance supported by Qualcomm's hardware.

Microsoft has already scheduled a "major" Surface for Business event next week, where it's expected to announce variants of the current Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 CoPilot Plus PCs that feature Intel's Lunar Lake chips and are aimed at business customers. However, it's unclear if the new smaller devices will be launched at the same event or at a later date.

The launch of these new devices could be a significant move for Microsoft, as it would allow the company to compete more aggressively in the budget-friendly laptop market. With the rise of Chromebooks and other affordable laptops, Microsoft has been under pressure to offer more affordable options to consumers. The new devices, if priced correctly, could help Microsoft regain some ground in the market.

It's worth noting that the rumor is still unconfirmed, and Microsoft has not made any official announcements about the new devices. However, with the company's focus on expanding its Surface lineup and offering more affordable options, it's possible that we could see these new devices launch in the near future.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Microsoft's new devices stack up against the competition. With the rise of ARM-powered devices, it's clear that the company is betting big on this technology to drive its future growth. Only time will tell if this strategy will pay off, but one thing is certain - the launch of these new devices will be a significant development in the world of tech.