Microsoft has made a significant change to its latest Surface devices. The new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models are ditching the proprietary Surface Connect port in favor of USB-C charging.
The latest Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models have shed their magnetic charging ports. Instead, they now rely on USB-C for power. This shift marks a departure from Microsoft’s traditional approach to charging its Surface lineup. The Verge notes that while Microsoft has experimented with abandoning Surface Connect before, this time it seems the company is committed to USB-C.
Microsoft’s decision to drop the Surface Connect port is part of a broader effort to simplify its devices. The company has also stopped including a charger in the box with its latest Surface models. This move aligns with EU regulations aimed at reducing electronic waste. By using USB-C as the primary charging method, Microsoft is bringing its devices in line with industry standards.
For years, Microsoft faced pressure to add USB-C ports to its Surface devices. Initially, the company responded by producing a USB-C adapter. Panos Panay, former head of the Surface division, jokingly said the adapter was designed for “people who love dongles.” The new Surface models demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to embracing USB-C.