Microsoft's Surface Pro 4 hybrid hit the shelves late last year, drawing both positive reviews and impressive sales figures.
The device helped Microsoft's Surface Pro range shift 275,000 units in the first quarter of 2016 - outselling the 107,000 notched up by Apple's iPad Pro series.
Yet, despite these strong figures, the Pro 4 was plagued with battery life and sleep mode issues that threatened to undermine other impressive features of the popular hybrid devices.
Microsoft did release a firmware fix that corrected the problems - but the Redmond giant will want to steer clear of any similar issues for the next iteration.
Despite the Pro 4's relatively recent October 2015 release, rumours have already been doing the rounds for some time regarding its much-speculated fifth generation follow-up, the Surface Pro 5.
Reports to date have suggested the inclusion of Intel's next-generation Kaby Lake processor, Windows 10 Redstone 2 Update and various hardware improvements.
Microsoft is yet to officially reveal anything about the Surface Pro 5 so, with an announcement now not expected until late 2016 at the earliest, we take a look at some of the rumours and suggestions below.
Latest news
23/05/2017
New Surface Pro available from 15 June
Microsoft has officially announced the arrival of its latest Surface Pro device, which it says will offer considerable boosts in performance and battery life over the Surface Pro 4.
At an event yesterday, the Redmond giant also explained that it has dropped its naming convention for the 2-in-1 in the name of simplicity - with the hybrid simply called the Surface Pro as opposed to the expected Surface Pro 5.
Whilst it may not be the Pro 5 in name, however, the latest iteration does offer a host of improvements over the Surface Pro 4.Thanks to the inclusion of Intel's 7th-generation Kaby Lake processors, the laptop offers up a considerable 20% performance increase over the previous generation.
Available in Core i7, Core i5 and Core m models, the updated Surface Pro will also provide up to 13.5 hours of use - which marks a 50% increase over the Pro 4, Microsoft said.
The Surface Pen has received a revamp too - with a new tilt mode and 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity improving functionality and response. The stylus does not ship with the new Surface Pro, however, meaning users will have to purchase the accessory separately.
Similarly, the 2-in-1 is compatible with Microsoft's Surface Dial - whilst a redesigned hinge allows the hybrid to open at a 165-degree angle in the same way as the all-in-one Surface Studio.
Despite the updates, however, Microsoft has opted against including USB-C compatibility - instead continuing with USB 3.0 ports for the new device.
The new Surface Pro goes on sale on 15 June but pre-orders are now open at the Microsoft Store. Entry level models start at £799 in the UK and $799 in the US, whilst an LTE version will also be available.
27/04/2017: Surface Pro 5 may only be a minor refresh
The Surface Pro 5 will not differ much from the Pro 4 and will continue with the Surface Connect power adapter, according to renowned tipster Paul Thurrott.
In line with several previous rumours, the tech blogger also added that the upcoming 2-in-1 will be powered by Intel's Kaby Lake processors. The new chipsets will at least provide improved system performance and battery life - but it appears other major changes may be thin on the ground.
"Surface Pro 5 will not change the Surface Connect power connector, I was just told. Kaby Lake, nothing dramatic," Thurrott wrote on Twitter.
In response to questions from his followers, Thurrott said that he did not have any more information - but added in a separate tweet that the Pro 5 "sounds like Surface Pro 4.5".
Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced it will be holding a hardware and software event in New York on 2 May. According to Ars Technica, however, sources familiar with the matter state that neither the Surface Pro 5 nor the Surface Phone will be launched at the event, with Microsoft expected to focus on Windows 10 Cloud instead.
19/04/2017: Could 'CloudBook' be Microsoft's next device?
Forget the Surface Pro 5, Microsoft's next launch could actually be the CloudBook, a device designed to take on the Chrome Book.
Such a device would be aimed at the education sector, VentureBeat reports, with rumours suggesting it'll launch at Microsoft's education event in New York on 2 May.
It wouldn't run the full version of Windows 10, instead integrating the cloud-based Windows 10 Cloud, which, like the Chrome OS, would allow anyone to login to their account from anywhere in the world.
Features of this Chrome-like OS were revealed in a patent discovered over the last week, which suggests a user could log into any Windows 10 Cloud device using their email address or username and password to find their applications, files and all data present and correct.
It would be the ideal solution for the education sector, because it means schools and colleges could issue their students with a single sign on to use on any device around the campus, cutting costs. It would also allow only applications purchased from the Windows 10 Store to be installed on computers, making it safer for everyone.
Other details surrounding the CloudBook are sparse, but from the patent, it sounds a very close competitor to the Chrome Book, offering low-cost hardware and a slimmed down operating system to make it attractive to as many people as possible.
07/04/2017: Will the Surface Pro 5 feature a dual-sided screen?
Microsoft's expected Surface Pro 5 device could sport an all-new dual-sided screen, according to the latest speculation.
A recently published Microsoft patent for a '"Dual Display Device" details a product with a regular emissive screen as well as a second made from e-paper, reports The Express.
The innovative design would allow the second, e-paper display to fold out and be used as a keyboard - eliminating the need for the Type Cover accessory that accompanies the current Surface Pro 4.
The patent also notes that the e-paper screen could be used as a way of controlling a user's music and displaying album art thumbnails. Similarly, gamers could also benefit, with the display doubling up as a set of controls that pairs with the main screen.
With the patent filed back in September 2016, The Express that reasons the design may currently be in development in time for Microsoft's next round of product launches -- which is tipped to include the Surface Pro 5 and the much-speculated Surface Phone.
Microsoft is still yet to confirm any details regarding the next-generation 2-in-1 device, however, but recent reports suggest the device will include a 4k UltraHD display, 512GB of storage and 16GB RAM.
22/03/2017: Will AMD Ryzen power Microsoft's Surface Pro 5?
The upcoming Surface Pro 5 may ship with AMD Ryzen processors rather than Kaby Lake chipsets, the latest speculation suggests.
Microsoft's upcoming 2-in-1 has long been rumoured to sport Intel's latest Kaby Lake architecture - but a trailer for the new sci-fi/horror movie Alien: Covenant suggests otherwise.
The technology-focused preview footage appears to show scientists working on a tablet device that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Surface range. Industry observers have noted its potential significance due to AMD's sponsorship of the film - with the trailer even signing off with the tagline: "Intelligence powered by AMD".
Meanwhile, International Business Times has suggested that the Surface Pro 5 could arrive in late spring or early summer, with June earmarked as the month it might land.
The website notes the Surface Pro 3's similar release period, as well as the apparent correlation between Microsoft's hardware and software release dates. The Windows 10 Creators Update is expected to arrive in April.
01/03/2017: Surface Pro 5 references found online
References to Microsoft's expected Surface Pro 5 tablet surfaced online recently, appearing to confirm the device is definitely in the works.
Although the follow-up to the Surface Pro 4 has been widely expected for some time, Microsoft has so far given no official confirmation.
According to WinCentral, however, two separate references to the 2-in-1 were found online in recent days.
The first surfaced on a Microsoft-contracted product designer's LinkedIn profile - which included the Pro 5 on a list of products being worked on by an "Analog Speech Design Team".
"This team is focused on R&D and creating new speech models with multidisciplinary design approach for devices of the future including but not limited to: HoloLens, Surface Pro 5, Xbox," the description read.
However, the contractor has now amended the profile and removed the section mentioning the 2-in-1 hybrid.
The second, perhaps less reliable, hint appeared on Microsoft's French website - with the page displaying a Surface Pro device with the title "win10-feature-surface-pro-5-z".
Microsoft has since caught wind, however, and amended the photo's title to "win10-feature-surface-pro-4_image_5z" - suggesting this was likely just an oversight when naming the file.
Various industry observers have predicted that Microsoft may be gearing-up to release the Surface Pro on 5 April.
08/02/2017: Will the Surface Pro 5 land in April?
A growing number of reports are pointing towards an April launch for Microsoft's upcoming Surface Pro 5.
With previous suggestions of a late 2016 or January 2017 release not proving accurate, several industry observers have now predicted the 2-in-1 could land this spring.
Inquisitr reasons that an April release would make "perfect sense" for the Redmond giant - allowing for the hybrid device to ship with the upcoming Windows 10 Creators Update. Releasing both around the same time provides Microsoft with the opportunity to showcase the operating system's refreshed features, the website adds.
According to Tech Radar, an "unspecified family of hardware" is rumoured to be launching alongside the Creators Update. These are likely to consist of the Pro 5, Surface Book 2 and the Surface Phone, the website says, adding that the release would also mark the switch to Intel's new Kaby Lake processors.
As noted by Trusted Reviews, respected Microsoft analyst Paul Thurrott adds some weight to this speculation, stating that he expects the Surface Pro 5 to debut in "Spring 2017" alongside the Surface Book 2.
07/02/2017: Microsoft discontinues the Surface Pro 3
Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 appears to have now been discontinued, giving the strongest indicator yet that the Surface Pro 5 is imminent.
The company has removed the option to purchase the 2-in-1 device from its online stores, with users now only able to select between Pro 4 models.
As noted by WCCFTech, the Surface Pro 3 does still appear in Microsoft's online store. However, clicking on the 'Buy Now' button redirects shoppers to another page that prominently displays the current flagship.
The development follows an announcement made by Microsoft last year when the vendor said it would no longer build Surface Pro 3 devices from the end of December 2016.
The move comes as Redmond's current hybrid device, the Surface Pro 4, continues to receive discounts - including $200 reductions for both the Core m3 and Core i5 models.
Both the removal of the lower-priced Pro 3 from stores and the introduction of discounts for the Pro 4 could mean Microsoft is about to unveil the Surface Pro 5, industry observers believe.
23/12/2016: Surface Pro 5 to sport eSIM?
The upcoming Surface Pro 5 could feature eSIM support, according to the latest speculation.
Yahoo Tech reports that Microsoft may include the feature in the upcoming hybrid after the tech giant recently partnered with mobile provider Transatel.
The report cites previously reliable German website Dr Windows, which states: "Surface Pro 5 and Surface Book 2 will have an eSIM, provided that my (in the past accurate) source is correct."
The eSIMs - which are not supported by the current Surface Pro 4 or Surface Book devices - would enable the hybrid to access the internet on the move. The current models require Wi-Fi hotspot connections in order to get online.
The inclusion of the card also adds extra convenience when travelling abroad, with the eSIM eliminating the need to buy additional cards when in another country. Thanks to the way the SIM changes between respective plans in different territories, users will not have to pay any roaming charges when overseas.
Despite there still being no official word from Microsoft, rumours continue to persist that the Surface Pro 5 will ship with the new Intel Kaby Lake CPUs, USB-C compatibility and the Windows 10 Redstone 2 update.
16/12/2016: Pro 5 to come equipped with more storage
The upcoming Surface Pro 5 could boast up to double the storage of the Pro 4.
According to The Bitbag, Microsoft's latest 2-in-1 hybrid will sport a hefty 512GB – compared with up to 256GB on its predecessor.
The website also adds the new device is set to arrive with improved overall performance and better battery life – although the source of this information is unclear.
The speculation does appear to reinforce, however, several other previous rumours which all point towards superior specs for the new Surface Pro device. If reports are to be believed, the Pro 5 is set to arrive with a new 12.3-inch PixelSense screen (in 2k and 4k versions), 16GB RAM and Intel Kaby Lake architecture.
The hybrid is also tipped to include USB-C support and an upgraded Surface Pen - as well as Microsoft's second major Windows 10 update, Redstone 2.
Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 4 continues to receive discounts at various stores – suggesting Microsoft could be gearing up for the release of the Pro 5.
So far, no official details have been released by the company - but recent reports have pointed to a potential February unveiling at Mobile World Congress.
28/11/2016: Surface Pro 5 launched date revealed to Microsoft staff
The Surface Pro 5 will be coming in February if an internal memo sent to staff is proved to be true. A number of news sources explained Microsoft employees have already been told the tablet will launch at Mobile World Congress in February.
Other hints this could be the launch date for the Surface Pro 5 are that a major Windows 10 update is also due in February, as is Intel's 14-nanometer Kaby Lake processor, which is the rumoured chip used by the Pro 5.
If the Surface Pro 5 launches in February next year, it would most probably be announced alongside the Surface Phone, which would make for a particularly busy conference for the smartphone manufacturer.
However, it's hard to judge whether this rumour is likely to be true, because Microsoft doesn't seem to have a launch schedule for Surface Pro hybrids - its Surface Pro 2 was launched in late 2013, while the Surface Pro 3 was announced in mid-2014.
The Surface Pro 4 arrived at the same as the Suface Book in late 2015 and although it's been a long time since the last Pro series tablet was launched by Microsoft, the time it's been on the shelves is less than the Surface Pro 3, which has now been available for 18 months.
17/11/2016: Surface Pro 5 to arrive in 2017?
The Surface Pro 5 could arrive in early 2017 with a host of impressive new specs.
According to the latest reports, Microsoft's upcoming flagship hybrid could boast a Kaby Lake chipset, PixelSense Display panel and improved battery performance.
Tech Times says that the Pro 5 may sport a brand-new 12.3-inch PixelSense screen - with the device to be available in both 2k and 4k Ultra HD variations.
The hybrid could also include up to 16GB of RAM, powered by the aforementioned Intel Kaby Lake processor chips, offering a potential 25 percent performance boost and less battery drain.
In addition, the website adds that the 2-in-1 tablet may feature an AMD or Nvidia Pascal GPU - as well as USB-C support and enhanced battery performance. The Surface Pro 5 is also tipped to arrive with next year's Windows 10 Redstone 2 update, which is expected to land in March.
Previous rumours have also suggested the inclusion of an updated Surface Pen with wireless charging capability.
International Business Times adds that the 2k version of the hybrid device could hit shelves with a price of $899 - with the 4k Ultra HD variant possibly costing up to $1,599.
Microsoft is yet to officially announce any details for the Surface Pro 5.
26/10/2016: Surface Pro 5 may launch today
The upcoming Surface Pro 5 could possess big improvements over its predecessor, according to the latest reports.
Citing Chinese website IT Home, WCCF Tech, reports that Microsoft has filed a patent which will expand the 2-in-1 hybrid device's connectivity "quite significantly".
If the plan comes to fruition, the Pro 5 would be able to able to use resources across multiple devices simultaneously, the website says.
The patent – which was filed by Microsoft on 26 June 2016 – explains that users could be able to access and use features such as keyboard, memory, processor and display whilst working on a separate device - such as a desktop PC.
Meanwhile, The Verge reports that it may be a while longer before the Surface Pro 5 is announced – with the device unlikely to be unveiled at Microsoft's event in New York today.
It notes that the company is set to focus on announcing a Surface PC at the gathering, with no announcement for Surface Pro or Surface Book updates.
13/10/2016: With Microsoft's Windows 10 event taking place on the 26 October, we are just weeks away from seeing some long-awaited detail on the Surface Pro 5.
While the announcement of the device is still expected at the event in New York, rumours have circulated over the last few months hinting at potential specs and features.
The Surface Pro 5 will likely come equipped with the latest generation of Intel processor, which currently is the 6th iteration of the Skylake chip, although some have speculated Microsoft may push for the as-yet unreleased 'Kaby Lake'. If this is true we could be looking at an early 2017 release to allow for the next generation of processors to launch.
The device will ship in a number of specs including a standard model with 2K resolution and a pricier 4K variant, a report by Mobipicker, citing sources in China, suggests. However, all models will boast a massive 16GB of RAM, making it near unbeatable when it comes to multitasking.
The older Surface Pro 4 used a stylus that was attached magnetically but that was powered by disposable batteries. Despite holding a long charge, Microsoft will want to scrap this idea in favour of a battery that recharges magnetically, the report adds.
In terms of graphics, we're likely looking at the newest Nvidia Pascal or AMD Polaris GPUs.
Rumours also suggest the Surface Pro 5 will be the first in the series to offer the upgraded USB-C port, over the older USB 3.0. Other upgrades to WiFi and Bluetooth are also safe bets, as well as a new camera.
The most important detail for many customers is the price, and while official numbers are still a mystery, we can speculate based on the release prices of previous models. As a reference, the Pro 4 launched with an introductory price of £749. It is safe to assume Microsoft will launch the Surface Pro 5 with a range of model options, which will dramatically affect the price.
23/09/2016:
October announcement for new Surface devices?
The Surface Pro 5 and Surface Book 2 are expected to be unveiled in October, according to the latest reports.
TNH Online says Microsoft's new devices will be announced at an event that has been scheduled for next month - with a possible additional unveiling of the upcoming Surface Phone.
Previous rumours had pointed towards a late 2016 release for the Surface Pro 5 and Surface Book 2. However, the website reasons that there is "very little chance of that actually happening" due to an October announcement not leaving enough time for a release this year.
This latest speculation again keeps in line with previous suggestions that Microsoft were holding off on the release in order to equip the new devices with Intel's new Kaby Lake processor chips (expected to be released later this year).
Christian Today also comments that "given there are only a few months left in the year, the laptop [Surface Book 2] may become available to interested buyers in early 2017."
Although there has been no official word from Microsoft regarding the Surface Pro 5, rumours have circulated for months regarding its potential specs.
The hybrid devices are expected to include the aforementioned Kaby Lake processors -- as well as Windows 10 Redstone 2.
The Pro 5 has also been tipped to be available in 2K and 4K options and to sport new USB-C ports. A new, rechargeable Surface Pen is also set to be included.
Earlier this month the current Surface Pro 4 model was given a $150 discount at the Microsoft online store -- leading many to speculate that the company is gearing up for the release of its successor.
06/09/2016: The latest Surface Pro 5 rumours claim the hybrid is set to boast a considerable performance increase over the Surface Pro 4 – thanks to the inclusion of Intel's latest Kaby Lake processors.
According to International Business Times, the new line of CPUs have been tested and offers up to a 15-20 percent boost over Intel's Skylake chips – which will be noticeable in several different areas.
This increase is largely thanks to Kaby Lake's ability to make better use of "Turbo Boost" and "Overboost" rather than changes in clock or design, the website says.
The potential inclusion of the new Kaby Lake processors means that gaming and video streaming could be one of the main beneficiaries on the Surface Pro 5.
The chips sport all-new HEVC Main10 video encoders and it is reported that the CPU managed to stream 4k video at 60fps and consuming just 3.2 watts in testing.
This marks a huge improvement over the previous generation which consumed 16.5 watts of power playing the same video clip.
It is also noted, however, that the information source does not provide details on battery performance – but improvements can be expected.
IBT adds that these tests are "probably on the lower end" of the next-generation Kaby Lake range, with quad-core models and versions that include Intel's Iris technology also to be introduced.
There has been no official word from Microsoft on Surface Pro 5 specifications or release date. A 2017 release has been widely touted, however – potentially paving the way for the inclusion of Intel's next generation Kay Lake processors.
Specifications
Recent rumours have pointed towards a delayed release of the Surface Pro 5 in order to accommodate the upcoming Intel Kaby Lake processor.
Intel has said that its next-generation chip will be released at the tail-end of 2016 – potentially allowing for its inclusion in the new Surface Pro range.
The inclusion of Kaby Lake processors could also mean less drain on device battery life due to their lower power consumption – a common problem with Pro 4 on its release.
Earlier reports had hinted at an earlier release which would have seen the hybrid devices powered by the sixth-generation Skylake processor – the same chips that can be found inside the current Surface Pro 4.
Since this didn't happen, however, it is likely that Microsoft opted to hold out for the Kaby Lake chips for the Pro 5.
The laptop-tablet hybrid could also hit the market with the inclusion of the Windows 10 Redstone 2 update – the second part of the operating system's big upgrade.
According to Mobipicker, manufacturing sources from China have also suggested the Pro 5 will arrive with two screen resolution variants.
If true, we could see both a 2K model and a higher-priced 4K version hit the shelves upon release. It is also mentioned that the new Surface Pro devices will boast new Nvidia Pascal or AMD Polaris graphics processing units (GPUs). Screen resolution is expected to be 3,840 x 2,560.
Cheaper models of the Surface Pro 5 are also expected to come equipped with 16GB of RAM, with some touting possible smaller variants for lower budgets.
Another element tipped for an upgrade is the USB port: reports have claimed Microsoft could be set to introduce USB-C to the new devices, making them the first in the series to include the ports.
Whereas USB 3.0 ports are currently the standard with Surface Pro 4 devices, the incorporation of the USB-C would allow for the convenience of USB charging.
Other rumours have claimed that the Surface Pen could also be in for an overhaul. PC Advisor notes that the stylus could soon ditch its current alkaline battery and sport a rechargeable one instead.
The new Surface Pen's battery would then be capable of charging wirelessly when magnetically attached to the Surface Pro.
If rumours come to fruition, the improvements may not stop there. Other features such as the cameras, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have all been tipped for tweaks or upgrades.
Release date
To date, Microsoft's Surface Pro releases have not followed a strict annual release cycle in the same way that rival companies such as Apple have.
The Surface Pro 4 was unveiled in October 2015, Surface Pro 3 in May 2014 – with the Pro 2 and original Surface Pro being unveiled in September 2013 and June 2012 respectively.
With the exception of the first Surface Pro which then hit shelves in February 2013, the devices have all been released shortly (approximately a month) after being announced.
Early reports had suggested that the Surface Pro 5 may mirror its Pro 4 predecessor with an announcement and release before the end of the year – possibly alongside the release of a Surface Book 2.
Since then, however, others have predicted a more-likely 2017 debut, citing the expected inclusion of the next-gen Kaby Lake chip and Windows 10 Redstone 2 update.
Referencing previously reliable sources from China, a report by Mobipicker added strength to the 2017 release talk - claiming the Pro 5 will include the aforementioned Kaby Lake Processors which become available late 2016.
A 2017 release could also enable the company to iron-out any issues before release – potentially avoiding problems like the battery drain issue that the Surface Pro 4 experienced.
As with all unconfirmed releases, however, reports and speculation often conflict: previous rumours had even suggested the Surface Pro 5 could be released as early as June 2016.
New Surface device coming this year?
Whilst the Surface Pro 5 is now widely expected to ship in 2017, reports of a new Surface device for 2016 have also emerged recently.
Developer Shubhan Chemburkar posted a photo on Twitter showing a wall inside Microsoft's building 88 in Redmond; several images are of devices are displayed – with one sporting '2016' and 'coming soon' labels.
Another three devices are also shown, apparently scheduled for 2017.
Price
With no official word from Microsoft, it is difficult to put exact figures on what the device will cost on its release.
However, observers have noted that Microsoft's previous Surface Pro devices have never strayed too far from the original cost of their predecessor – with the Surface Pro 4 becoming available from £749.
The expected higher-end variation of the Surface Pro 5 will be considerably more for those that will want to take advantage of the higher specifications it will offer.
Source:
Surface Pro 5 – specifications, release date and pricing: New Surface Pro available from 15 June