Surface Phone release date, specs rumors 2016: Microsoft to unveil new Surface handset this year?

The Surface devices from Microsoft Corporation have certainly performed well in the market for the past several years. Devices such as the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book are some of the best ones yet from the Surface family, doing very well in the market with satisfying sales, not to mention the positive feedback from the tech analysts and enthusiasts regarding the company's latest device innovations. However, many people wonder if the Redmond-based tech giant will plan to extend the Surface label further and take over the smartphone area as well. 

With this, the concept of the so-called Surface Phone was born, and Microsoft, who is said to not closing its doors for all sorts of possibilities, is not yet confirming the development of a new smartphone flagship based on their recent Surface devices. Nevertheless, the rumors are rife that the Surface Phone is well on its way of being announced this year. If the latest reports are anything to go by, the big Surface Phone announcement might be made by Microsoft next month.

According to Science World Report, Microsoft may be gearing up for the unveiling of the Surface Phone this October. There were tech analysts who expected that the Surface Phone will be announced during the IFA 2016 event in Berlin earlier this month, but the company made no mention of the highly speculated Surface smartphone. Nevertheless, it is still expected that the public will see the first glimpse of the Surface Phone later this year, although as for the actual release of the device on the market, that may happen a couple of months from now.

Tech Times reported that the Surface Phone devices may not arrive until Fall next year. Many users are hoping that the supposed announcement of the Surface Phone in August will be followed by the actual release of the devices immediately, possibly during this year's holiday season. However, they may have to wait until next year to get the new Surface handset. According to the publication, Microsoft's decision to wait for Intel's next generation of mobile chipsets, Kaby Lake processors, is the main reason of delay in Surface Phone's release. 

Upon the release of the Surface Phoe, it is expected to come in three different variants, all featuring aluminum and magnesium body with 5.5-inch AMOLED display.