Microsoft to Highlight Copilot, AI Strategy at Build 2025

REDMOND, Wash., May 13, 2025 — Microsoft’s annual Build developer conference will run from May 19 to 22, and expectations are high for announcements around expanded artificial intelligence capabilities, new services, and updates to Windows. The keynotes will be streamed online at no cost.

At last year’s event, the company rolled out integrations such as Copilot for Microsoft Teams, Copilot+ PCs, and Windows Volumetric Apps tailored for Meta Quest headsets. This year, Copilot is again expected to dominate the conversation.

Microsoft is reportedly testing AI models developed by xAI, Meta, Anthropic and DeepSeek as potential alternatives to OpenAI’s technology in Copilot. The move comes amid growing tension in the Microsoft–OpenAI partnership. The company has also developed a proprietary family of models, internally called MAI, that may be introduced as part of a broader shift toward in-house AI infrastructure. These models could be offered through an API.

On the software side, deeper Copilot integration is anticipated across Microsoft’s consumer and enterprise offerings. For Windows, new features may include “agentic” capabilities that allow the tool to handle routine PC tasks. Leaked documentation points to a forthcoming Action button within the Windows Copilot interface to initiate such functions.

Hardware announcements are also expected. Rumors suggest Microsoft will introduce a successor to its Azure Maia 100 AI Accelerator. Tentatively dubbed “Maia 2,” the chip is said to be manufactured by Marvell, according to semiconductor analyst Ray Wang. The Maia line is designed to optimize performance in Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to building out its own silicon.

Microsoft raised prices last November for several core software offerings — including Windows 365, Office 365 and Microsoft 365 — by 5 percent. A number of the AI enhancements likely to be announced next week could serve to reinforce the value of those price hikes, offering more powerful automation and productivity tools to customers.

The conference comes at a pivotal moment for Microsoft as it works to both preserve its position in generative AI and reduce dependence on external providers. With Build serving as the company's primary showcase for developer tools and future-facing technologies, it may well be the venue where Microsoft signals the next phase of its AI strategy.

Build 2025 will also include breakout sessions, hands-on labs, and training modules geared toward enterprise developers, IT professionals, and AI researchers. Microsoft has yet to confirm which executives will deliver keynote addresses, though CEO Satya Nadella has traditionally opened the event. Additional details on the agenda and session lineup are expected to be released later this week.

Copilot is likely to be a headliner at Build, and big changes to it could be on the way.