14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft’s Surface Pro 5 might be closer to launch than we think, as the device has recently passed the China Compulsory Certification, which is a safety mark that’s mandatory for devices sold on the Chinese market.
Although this listing does not include any details, it’s living proof that the Surface Pro 5 is still on the table for a spring 2017 release, despite reports that Microsoft could hold it back for a little longer.
Previously, it was expected to see the Surface Pro 5 and the Surface Book 2 going live in the fall of 2016, as per Microsoft’s typical hardware release schedule, but the company then decided to postpone the release until the spring of 2017.
Delayed to align hardware with Creators Update launch
It was believed that the delay was necessary because Microsoft wanted both the Surface Pro 5 and the Surface Book 2 to be pioneers of the Windows 10 Creators Update, with the company planning to use these devices to highlight the capabilities of the operating system.
With the Creators Update already available, Microsoft is now expected to take the wraps off the new devices as soon as possible, though there are reports saying that the second-generation Surface Book might be delayed once again. It’s believed Microsoft needs more time to complete work on the Surface Book 2, so even though it was projected to see daylight alongside the Surface Pro 5, its debut might actually take place later this year, possibly in the fall.
As for the Surface Pro 5, little is known so far, but there’s no doubt it will come with Kaby Lake processors, RAM and storage updates. In terms of features, however, it’s likely to be very similar to the Surface Pro 4 that was launched by the company in the fall of 2015.
More information will probably emerge in the coming weeks as we get closer to the anticipated debut of the device and to Microsoft’s yet-to-be-confirmed hardware spring event.
Thanks for the tip, NecrosoftCore!