Microsoft Surface Pro 5 release date, specs news 2016: Next-gen Surface Pro to release in 2017 with Kaby Lake processors

The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is rumored for a spring 2017 release but Surface users are still not giving up hope for an earlier release date.

According to PC Advisor, an image posted by a developer via Twitter seemed to point to a possible 2016 release for one of Microsoft's Surface variants. The image featured a wall in building 88 of the tech company's offices showing off placeholders for upcoming hardware updates. This included three devices slated for 2017 and one that's scheduled for a 2016 release. However, this may not be the anticipated fifth-generation Microsoft Surface Pro but could instead be a Surface 4, Surface Book 2 or Surface All-in-One iMac rival.

TechRadar reported that the yet unconfirmed Surface Phone may also be among the list of possible new and updated hardware models that may be launched in the upcoming Fall 2016 Microsoft hardware event.

As for the Microsoft Surface Pro 5, most recent rumors point to a 2017 release, quite possibly around spring. This seemed to be more ideal than an October release and could give Microsoft ample time to polish off any glitches in the fifth-generation Surface Pro's features. It must be remembered that the Surface Pro 4 released back in October last year came with a number of unsightly issues including a less-than-favorable battery life.

An early 2017 release could also ensure that the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 will come equipped with Intel's seventh-generation Kaby Lake processors, which have reportedly began shipping to manufacturers as announced at the Intel Developer Forum 2016 in August.

The rumored 2017 release also seemed to correspond with the delayed Windows 10 update. The update referred to as Redstone 2 (RS2) has reportedly been pushed to an early 2017 launch so that Microsoft can feature it on the up and coming Surface Pro 5.

Microsoft has also launched a membership program for Surface users eagerly waiting for the Surface Pro 5, which would let users upgrade to the next-gen hardware as soon as it is released. Signing up for this program will break the total cost of the Surface Pro 5 down to a more manageable payment plan. More information can be found on the Microsoft Store.