Microsoft Surface Pro 5 release date, specs news update: Hybrid device to arrive in 2017 with Kaby Lake and Redstone 2?

The possibility of the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 hitting the market this year is getting slimmer as reports have emerged that the company is still waiting for the next generation Intel processor, the Kaby Lake. According to the latest reports, Intel will not start the production of Kaby Lake until later this year, which is pretty disappointing for so many fans who expected the Microsoft hybrid device to arrive in 2016.

It was previously reported that Microsoft was gunning for a late 2016 release for its new products such as the Surface Book 2, Surface Phone and the highly anticipated Surface Pro 5. Although the company has yet to make an official announcement with regard to these devices, a late 2016 release is still possible. It is said that Microsoft's plan is to roll out the Surface Pro 5 this year to compete with Apple's MacBook Pro and new iPad models, which are rumored to be launched in September.

There are also speculations suggesting that it is not only the Kaby Lake that causes the delay of the Microsoft Surface Pro 5. Rumor has it that the American software giant is also waiting for the final version of the Windows 10 Redstone 2 OS.

If rumors prove to be true, fans may have to wait until springtime of 2017 before they can get hold of the coveted Surface Pro 5.

Meanwhile, the supposed specs and features of the device have already hit the Internet. According to a report by PC-Tablet, the device will come in two variations – the 2K display and the 4K display versions. Both variants are said to come with 12.3" screen and a Kaby Lake processor from Intel, which will be paired with a whopping 32 GB of RAM. The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 will also house a 256 GB internal storage capacity.

Other features of the hybrid laptop/tablet include 16 MP primary camera and an 8 MP selfie snapper.