Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Release Date and News: Is Apple's MacBook Pro 2016 Forcing Microsoft To Launch Early?
Will Microsoft launch its next generation tablet-laptop hybrid sooner than expected? New reports speculate it is likely.
Microsoft could hasten launch of Surface Pro 5 to take on MacBook Pro, claims one report. Apple is expected to upgrade MacBook Pro with Intel Skylake, besides numerous features including a rumored 15-inch display with resolution higher than 4K. The MacBook Pro 2016 is rumored to be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference in June. Microsoft's early launch is pegged to competition from Apple.
Recent reports are stark contrast to hints dropped earlier from sources close to the Redmond giant. Past reports suggest Surface Pro 5 could launch with Intel Kaby Lake and Windows 10 Redstone 2. Given that Surface Pro 4 was launched with Intel Skylake processors and Windows 10 last October, a massive upgrade for the next generation hybrid is likely. New reports however suggest otherwise.
Should Microsoft release a hybrid this year, the tablet would feature the Redstone 1 update that is expected to be released in June to coincide with the anniversary of Windows 10.
Though Microsoft would want to take on Apple with its popular hybrid, it is unlikely the company would launch new devices this year as the Surface Pro 4 is mighty enough for an upgrade MacBook Pro. The company may however upgrade Surface Pro 4.
Apple recently released a revised MacBook with Intel Skylake processors. The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is likely to launch with Intel 7th generation processors next year, with as much as 16 GB RAM, and 4K screen. It could also feature a fingerprint sensor.
