Microsoft Surface Pro 5 release date, specs, news: Hybrid tablet releasing spring 2017?

Featured in the image is the current generation Microsoft Surface Pro 4Microsoft

It was previously speculated that Microsoft will unveil its Surface Pro 5 by October. The media event that happened in that month featured another hybrid, their Surface Book i7, and a new addition to the series, the Surface Studio. Now, fans are expecting that the company will lift the curtains for their hybrid tablet in spring 2017.

The Surface Pro 5 is speculated to offer two display variants, one with a display with 2K resolution and another with an Ultra HD version that offers 4K display. The screen size is expected to be the same, at 12.3-inch, equipped with the PixelSense technology. However, there are also rumors that the company may offer a big screen tablet with the upcoming generation.

It is also anticipated to carry an upgraded graphic chip, either from AMD Radeon Polaris or NVIDIA's Pascal series, as well as higher capacity battery, several USB Type-C ports adding to the mini DisplayPort, and the headphone jack. The Surface Pen is also expected to receive an upgrade.

There are conflicting reports when it comes to its processor. Some suggest that the alleged two-in-one device will arrive with the existing Skylake processor, while others say that it will be powered by the seventh generation Kaby Lake chip. Its system memory may start with 8 GB and could go as high as 16 GB. The storage capacity could also be offered similar to the current model, starting at 128 GB and up to 1 TB.

Additionally, the Surface Pro 5 is rumored to be released loaded with the latest version of the company's operating system, which is Windows 10 Redstone 2. The new version is expected to be ready by early 2017 and will include features that will benefit portable and mobile devices with its Windows 10 Mobile Continuum enhancements. It is also said to focus on productivity, Windows Central reported.

News Everyday has published a report that the Surface Pro 5's entry-level will have a $899 price tag. The mid-range model with an Intel Core i7 will be priced at $999, and the top of the line model with the Intel Core i7 for $1,599.