Since Apple is rumored to be outing its new MacBooks this year, it is now being said Microsoft's strongest contender product, the follow-up to Surface Pro 4, may come in late 2016.
According to Tech Radar, current speculations on the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 place at least two release dates for the hybrid, and these two are equally plausible. Some observers are saying that a mid-2016 release is more likely for the new Surface Pro in order for it to compete right away with the new Apple MacBooks (rumored to be coming by May or June). Apparently, a mid-year announcement for a Surface Pro 5 is also not uncommon as the previous Surface Pro 3 was unveiled in May 2013 and released to the market the following month.
However, there are also fans who are expecting that Microsoft may follow the current trend of releasing a flagship device toward the end of the year. The Redmond-based tech giant already did it with the Surface Pro 4, announcing the 2-in-1 back in October last year. The current-gen Surface Pro also went on sale in the same month.
While Microsoft has yet to provide details on the successor to the Surface Pro 4, fans already speculate on what to expect of the next Microsoft hybrid. According to CubicLane, since the Surface Pro lineup is targeted for professional-level work, an improved battery life for the Surface Pro 5 is a must.
Currently, the Surface Pro 4's battery allows about five to six hours of continued usage.
The industry follower also mentioned that Microsoft should already include the Type Cover as a bundle since the Surface Pro lineup can only be fully optimized with the accessory. At present, the Type Cover keyboard is sold separately by retailers.
