Microsoft Surface Pro 5 release date is reportedly delayed to avoid stealing the spotlight and cannibalizing the sales of the rumored Microsoft Surface Phone 2017.
The highly anticipated Microsoft Surface Pro 5 release date did not happen at the company's event last October. Microsoft reportedly held back the release of Surface Pro 5 to make way for new members of the line - Surface Studio and Studio Book i7, to avoid stealing the spotlight of the new devices and the media and consumers will focus on the features they offer. Moreover, holding back the Pro 5 will prevent it from cannibalizing the sales of the new Surfaces. New rumors pointed to a possible release early next year, but it may pave the way for another Surface device in 2017.
There are two major tech events slated early next year - Consumer Electronics Show and Mobile World Congress - that Microsoft actively participates in. This prompted rumors that the tech giant will debut the new Surface Pro 5 at one of the aforementioned events.
On Dec. 7, Microsoft announced in a blog post its premier events lined up for next year. The Microsoft Build conference is slated on May 10-12, 2017. While this event is geared towards the Windows operating system, it is a time to announce new hardware that will debut with the new OS.
Meanwhile, Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is rumored to sport some of the high-end specs and features available in the market today. Microsoft's processing power will be given a boost by Intel's Kaby Lake processor. Intel has debuted the chipset for laptops this year. Since the Surface Pro 5 is a tablet-laptop hybrid, it is speculated that it will have the capabilities of a powerful laptop device. Kaby Lake is 14nm processor announced this year. Microsoft announced earlier this year that only Windows 10 supports Kaby Lake chipset.
Releasing Windows 10 this year is a major milestone for the tech giant. Microsoft is now hard at work developing the next major update for Windows 10. Titled "Creative Update", this next update is scheduled to launch in early 2017 and will focus on productivity and creativity improvements for the desktop, and will bring much-needed features and enhancements to Windows 10 Mobile Continuum users.
The Continuum feature allows the device to adapt quickly on the changes or situations like connecting new accessories. For Surface Pro 5, the device will transform to laptop function once keyboard is attached and will go back to tablet mode when the keyboard is detached, according to Windows Central. Lastly, the upcoming laptop will also pack a stylus Surface Pen and a wireless charging feature.
There is no official announcement from Microsoft yet.