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Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Apple knows the U.S. federal court will force it to be transparent about how it charges its App Store fees. Fortnite is returning to the App Store now because we are confident that once Apple is forced to show its costs, governments around the world will not allow Apple junk fees to stand.
"At Flagstar, we're focused on equipping our teams with technology that's secure, flexible and ready for the next wave of AI. Surface brings together the hardware, security and Microsoft ecosystem in a way that just works, giving our teams the confidence to run AI-powered workflows on device while staying protected and productive wherever they are." — Jason Pope, Chief Technology Officer, Flagstar Bank
We have always believed that the hardware people use enables businesses and teams to achieve more. Surface was created to set the standard for what a premium Windows PC can be, and that standard has never been higher. Today, we are proud to announce the next generation of the Surface for Business portfolio, the new Surface Pro for Business and Surface Laptop for Business powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors are available today in select markets, delivering world-class performance and AI on the edge to accelerate productivity. Powered by Intel's next‑generation Core Ultra Series 3 architecture, the new Surface Laptop for Business and Surface Pro for Business deliver a meaningful leap in graphics performance, delivering up to 35% more graphics performance than MacBook Air with M5[1], and more than 90% faster performance than Laptop 5[2] on select configurations with Intel Core Ultra X7. From analyzing complex information to presenting to customers or creating content on the go, the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 GPU enables work to move in real time, delivering the sustained, fluid performance leaders expect from a premium business PC, without compromising mobility, battery life or security. Whether your teams are in the boardroom, at a customer site or working from anywhere, these AI PCs are built to perform at the speed of business. Later this year, we will extend the Surface for Business portfolio with models featuring the Snapdragon X2 processors, delivering up to 80% faster local AI inferencing than before[3] and uncompromising battery life[4].The new Surface Laptop for Business 13-inch is the most portable Surface Laptop, available starting today in select markets in 16GB and 24GB configurations starting at $1,499 (MSRP), with an 8GB configuration coming later this year starting at $1,299.99 (MSRP). With on-device AI processing, Wi-Fi 7[5] and a removable Gen 4 SSD designed for enterprise serviceability, it brings the full Surface experience to the entry-premium tier without asking IT or employees to trade off performance and productivity for portability.
The new Surface Pro for Business 13-inch is thin, powerful and engineered to think as flexibly as your people do, available starting today in select markets, starting at $1,949.99 (MSRP). The 2-in-1 form-factor combines touch, voice, pen or keyboard input alongside on-device AI processing and laptop-level performance to meet the needs of users working on the go or at their desks with 5G options to keep them connected.[6]
Our team, relentless in building Surface PCs that meet the needs of businesses today and in the future, is driven by these three product-making principles.
For the first time ever on a Surface device, we are introducing an optional integrated privacy screen with anti-glare. Built directly into select configurations of the 13.8-inch display of our Surface Laptop for Business, this software driven visual privacy filter helps protect sensitive information from unintended viewers and can be centrally managed by IT or activated instantly by employees with a single keystroke. Once activated, the privacy screen provides immediate protection from prying eyes without the need of a third-party physical screen protector. Designed from the ground up as part of our security‑by‑design approach, this innovation is made possible only by the tight integration of Surface hardware and software.
Surface allows us to run AI where learning happens, on the device itself. The future of AI is not everything going to the cloud; it's AI at the edge." — Eric Sedore, AVP and Chief Technology Officer, Syracuse University
For organizations building and deploying enterprise AI applications, Surface is also the reference platform for Windows AI APIs and the Foundry platform. Surface is purpose-built for developers who need a trusted, consistent hardware baseline, helping to enable on-device AI processing that can help offload everyday workloads from the cloud and optimize overall AI infrastructure costs at scale. Surface for Business does not just transform the experience for employees, it transforms the experience for IT. From UEFI to browser, it can be managed through Microsoft Intune. Every device in this portfolio is built to support the end-to-end Microsoft stack: Microsoft Intune, Windows Autopilot and the Surface Management Portal give IT administrators a single, unified plane to provision devices at scale, enforce policies and manage the full device lifecycle including zero-touch deployment that gets people productive from day one.[7] When the hardware, the operating system, the management platform and the productivity suite are all built and optimized by Microsoft, the result is not just operational efficiency, it’s a level of assurance and confidence that benefits the end-customers and businesses.Surface designs PCs for how businesses work. The materials we choose in every Surface for Business device are not for appearance alone; we build PCs with durability in mind. Each is validated through years-worth of reliability testing[9] designed to simulate the real conditions of everyday professional use: the drops, the pressure, the temperature changes, the open-and-close cycles. The result is a device that stays strong, stays functional and stays looking great.
The Surface 3:2 display ratio is not an aesthetic choice, it is a productivity one. The vertical screen real estate from the display ratio means you can have two documents side by side without compromise, with multiple windows that give each app room to ensure productivity. Combined with anti-reflective display technology on select configurations. Surface displays are designed to reduce eye strain across long working days[10], because the best display is one that fades into the background, letting you focus on your work.
With advanced haptics, Surface Laptop for Business adds subtle, intelligent tactile feedback to the touchpad experience. From window snapping and resizing to dragging, dropping and navigating content, haptics reinforce intent across the operating system and through select third-party apps delivering a more precise, responsive and confidence inspiring experience.
Surface for Business devices are built with sustainability in mind. Surface Laptop, 13.8-inch and 15-inch, and Surface Pro 13-inch are made with a durable 100% recycled aluminum enclosure, reducing reliance on virgin materials[11].
These devices are built for high performance and energy efficiency. Each device is certified by ENERGY STAR, all outperforming the efficiency baseline by at least 45%[12]. Automatic Keyboard Backlight, a new setting enabled on Surface Laptop 13-inch, 13.8 and 15-inch, and Surface Pro 13-inch Keyboards, can help reduce power usage[13].
Surface for Business PCs are also designed for repairability, meaning less glue, and more access. Nearly every major device component across the Surface for Business portfolio is replaceable, backed by a robust parts supply chain so IT teams can source what they need quickly and keep devices in service longer. Repairs are designed for simplicity, clear visual wayfinding guides technicians through each step, and the process is engineered to be completed with commonly available tools. When repair is used instead of replacement a device can stay in the field longer, which helps maximize your investment and helps reduce waste. [14]
The AI PC cycle has already arrived. Organizations that move now will build the productivity advantage that compounds over time. Those that wait will find themselves closing a gap that only grows. Our team is continuing to innovate with devices designed for businesses to invest in an evolving future of computing. For a deeper dive on the newest Surface for Business PCs, read our Surface IT Pro blog.
Surface for Business gives you the clarity to act: a secure, AI-ready, beautifully designed portfolio, available today in select markets with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and expanding later this year with Snapdragon X2. It is the full Microsoft stack, realized in hardware, ready for what comes next.
New Surface Pro for Business and Surface Laptop for Business are available today at Surface for Business and through Microsoft authorized commercial resellers.
[1] Tested by Microsoft April 2026 using CineBench 2024 Multi-Core benchmark comparing Surface Laptop for Business, 13.8 and 15-inch with Intel Core Ultra X7 to MacBook Air, 13.5-inch, M5 Chip, 10 Core CPU.
[2] Tested by Microsoft April 2026 using CineBench 2024 Multi-Core benchmark. Up to 95% faster comparing Surface Laptop, 15-inch with Intel Core Ultra X7 to Surface Laptop 5 15-inch with Intel Core i7. Up to 93% faster comparing Surface Laptop for Business 13.8-inch with Intel Core Ultra X7 processors to Surface Laptop 5 13.5-inch with Intel Core i7.
[3] Tested by Microsoft April 2026 using Procyon AI benchmark comparing Surface Laptop, 13.8-inch and 15-inch (8th Edition) with Snapdragon to Surface Laptop, 13.8-inch and 15-inch (7th Edition) with Snapdragon. Performance varies by configuration.
[4] Based on local video playback test. Battery life varies significantly based on usage, network and feature configuration, signal strength, settings and other factors. See aka.ms/SurfaceBatteryPerformance for details.
[5] 6GHz band not available in all regions.
[6] 5G not available in all areas. Compatibility and performance depend on carrier network, plan and other factors. See carrier for details and pricing.
[7] Software license required for some features. Sold separately
[8] Feature availability and performance may vary by device, configuration and region. Some AI experiences require internet connection, compatible hardware or Microsoft 365 subscription.
[9] Reliability testing conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. Testing does not promise or guarantee future performance under the same conditions in the real world. Customer induced damage or use beyond normal use conditions is not covered under Microsoft’s Limited Hardware Warranty.
[10] The Surface Laptop for Business with Intel displays has been designed to minimize unwanted reflections and has been certified by TÜV SÜD to meet the requirements of ISO 9241-307.
[11] Surface Pro for Business, 13-inch enclosure includes bucket, kickstand. 86% recycled content in the enclosure, consisting of 100% recycled aluminum alloy in bucket, and 100% recycled rare earth metals in the magnets. Surface Laptop for Business, 13.8-inch and 15-inch, enclosure includes A Cover and C Bucket. 64% recycled content in the enclosure, consisting of 100% recycled aluminum alloy in A Cover and C Bucket, and 100% recycled rare earth metals in the magnets. Based on validation performed by Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. using Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Recycled Content, UL ECVP 2809-2, Second Edition, dated June 2024.
[12] Comparison based on product energy consumption vs. ENERGY STAR certification limits for personal computers. Actual performance varies by configuration and usage.
[13] Compared to typical use without the feature enabled. Actual power savings vary based on usage, settings, ambient lighting and other factors. Not supported with wireless detach on Surface Pro 13-inch Flex Keyboard.
[14] Replacement components available through Surface Commercial authorized device resellers. Components can be replaced on-site by a skilled technician following Microsoft’s Service Guide. Microsoft tools (sold separately) may also be required. Availability of replacement components and service options may vary by product, market and over time. See Surface service options - Surface | Microsoft Learn. Opening and/or repairing your device can present electric shock, fire and personal injury risks and other hazards. Use caution if undertaking do-it-yourself repairs. Unless required by law, device damage caused during repair will not be covered under Microsoft’s Hardware Warranty or protection plans.
HMS Blueberry
Royals are my favourite ships in No Man's Sky. The HMS Blueberry is not my first Exotic/Royal ship (that was the Gravity Hirakao XVI, and a story for another time).
After years of on-off playing, I recently found my first Royal multitool: Blue, with gold detailing. I have a Royal-style jetpack (I don't remember where I got that). I thought I'd try and colour-match my multitool, ship, jetpack and outfit. Since I only had one multitool, I matched the others to it. And the HMS Blueberry (credit for the name goes to Beatrice) was the Exotic in my collection which matched.
The HMS Blueberry is in viewable in my showroom, Honest Jon's Lightly-Used Starships.
The Debian LTS Team, funded by Freexian’s Debian LTS offering, is pleased to report its activities for April.
During the month of April, 21 contributors have been paid to work on Debian LTS (links to individual contributor reports are located below).
The team released 37 DLAs fixing 145 CVEs.
The team continued preparing security updates in its usual rhythm. Beyond the updates targeting Debian 11 (“bullseye”), which is the current release under LTS, the team also proposed updates for more recent releases (Debian 12 (“bookworm”) and Debian 13 (“trixie”)), including Debian unstable. We highlight several notable security updates here below.
Contributions from outside the LTS Team:
The LTS Team has also contributed with updates to the latest Debian releases:
Some milestones in the lifecycle of two Debian releases are just around the corner. The support of Debian 12 will be handed over to the LTS team on June 11th 2026. After August 31st, support for Debian 11 will move from Debian LTS to ELTS managed by Freexian.
Sponsors that joined recently are in bold.
Back when we started with a signed shim in Debian, the tooling was Windows-only and required me to do a reboot dance and it was all quite tedious. Over time, more and more of the tooling has migrated to Linux and it all works quite well.
The signing is done with an EV code signing cert from SSL.com and stored on a Yubikey. Getting the certificate onto the key is a bit tedious, but reasonably well-explained in the ssl.com docs.
Microsoft wants the shim binaries uploaded to their partner portal
wrapped in a .cab file, which should be signed.
The wrapping in a .cab file is easy enough: lcab shim.efi shim-unsigned.cab. It’s fine to put shims for multiple architectures
in the same .cab file.
Signing of the file is a little bit of a rune:
Log inosslsigncode sign -pkcs11module /usr/lib/x86_64-linux-gnu/libykcs11.so -key "pkcs11:serial=XXX" -askpass -certs chain.crt -h sha256 -ts http://ts.ssl.com shim-unsigned.cab shim-unsigned.signed.cab
chain.crt contains first our EV code signing cert, then the ssl.com
intermediate EV code signing cert, then the ssl.com EV root cert. The
naming of the packages is a tiny bit confusing, but it’s because the
package name in Debian is shim-unsigned.
Occasionally, processing of uploaded binaries just stops in the validation stage in the portal, but I’ve so far been able to unstuck them by re-signing and uploading again, and I saw the same with the MS/Windows toolchain, so I suspect it’s just flakiness on the portal side.
