Windows 10 devices up to 9″ remains free to OEMs with Anniversary Update

Yesterday, we reported that Microsoft would soon change the hardware requirements for both Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile with the soon to be released Anniversary update. According to the new information, hardware OEMs will soon be able to produce Windows 10 devices with screens as low as 7-inches (compared to 8-inches or greater before) and Windows 10 Mobile devices with screens up to 9 inches (previously up to 7.9 inches).

However, what do these new hardware requirements mean for Windows 10 OEM pricing? As a reminder, Microsoft made the announcement during Build 2014 that going forward, Windows would be free for all devices under 9 inches (including phones and IoT devices). As we wanted to know if the price of the Windows license would still be free for all devices with screen under 9 inches following the release of the Anniversary update, we asked asked Microsoft for clarification. A Microsoft spokesperson just gave us the following answer:

“I can confirm that Windows 10 on less than 9” consumer tablets continues to be available at $0 (no change).”

While this statement could be slightly ambiguous as it only mentions “consumer tablets”, the “no change” part is the real deal. In other words, Windows 10 will stay free for all devices under 9 inches (including phones), and we’re not sure it would make sense to change anything, to be honest. Let us know in the comments if you think Microsoft is right to make Windows 10 free for all smaller devices.