Previous rumors have said that the much-awaited Surface Pro 5 and Surface Book 2 will be launched before 2016 ends. However, there are reported issues which may set back the announcements. In the meantime, Microsoft will continue updating its current lineups, with the follow-ups coming out next year instead.

Since Microsoft is expected to feature next-gen specs on the Surface Book 2 and Surface Pro 5, a 2017 release is already expected. Reportedly, Microsoft's partner for its processors, Intel, is having some issues with the assembly of the Kaby Lake, the seventh-gen chipsets said to feature in new Surface products. Since Microsoft is intent on using Kaby Lake, it will have no choice but to wait for Intel to start production and ship out the new processors without major issues.

Meanwhile, aside from waiting for the seventh-gen Kaby Lake processors, Microsoft also is reportedly scheduling a 2017 release for new Surface products due to its own update roadmap. According to previous rumors, Microsoft is targeting a two-step update for its Windows 10 platform, with the first part releasing later this year. The major update will be finished by rolling out the second part early next year. Since the major update will be completed in 2017, it is reasonable for Microsoft to finish its major software updates first before coming out with new hardware lineups.

With the success of the current-gen Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book, fans are eagerly waiting for the step-up versions of their follow-ups. Although not much confirmed details are known to date, it is said that the Surface Pro 5 and Surface Book 2 will feature major improvements and tweaks over their predecessors, including massive overhaul on their design, and a massive jump in performance and speed due to top-tier, premium specs under the hood.