Surface Pro 5 Release Date, Specs: Tablet to run on ARM?; Microsoft to turn device into real PC? [VIDEO]

Microsoft is yet to release the Surface Pro 5, the next iteration of the Redmond giant's line of laptop-tablet hybrids. The Surface Pro 4 was released on October last year, making the refresh late. This absence of Surface Pro 5 in this year's line-up has fueled rumors regarding its release.

Release date

Windows 10 won't see its next update until next year. What Microsoft is calling the Creators Update, announced with the Surface Book i7 and Surface Studio is set to roll out early 2017, leading some to believe that it will coincide with their next hardware release. Speculations also attribute the delay to the availability of Intel's 7^th gen Kaby Lake processors.

Processor, RAM, USB-C

Microsoft's announcement of Windows 10 on ARM and its partnership with Qualcomm also lead to some believing that the Surface Pro 5 will sport a Snapdragon chip instead of the traditional Intel Kaby Lake. No less than Executive VP Terry Myerson noted the benefits of Windows on ARM: "For the first time ever, our customers will be able to experience the Windows they know with all the apps, peripherals, and enterprise capabilities they require, on a truly mobile, power efficient, always-connected cellular PC."

But given the use case Surface Pro 5 is slated towards, PC Advisor noted that going ARM might not be the optimal choice. Surface Pro 5 is targeted towards professionals, and a mobile processor might raise some eyebrows. The article further reported the Pro 5 might see 16 GB of RAM and the introduction USB-C.

Screen, surface pen

It was further reported that a Chinese manufacturer has revealed that the Pro 5 might come in two screen versions - one in 2K resolution, and another in 4K.

Other rumors are also afloat. Some point out to the Surface Pen being rechargeable. The current iteration of the stylus takes AAAA batteries, but a patent by the company might change that.

Considering that the Surface Pro 5 is in the process of development, readers should treat this news with a pinch of salt. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!