Previously, it was said that Microsoft will be pre-empting Apple's annual launch event with its own new Surface announcement next month. However, even if Microsoft pushes through with the launch, speculations suggest that the Surface Book 2 will not be among the products to be unveiled and the laptop will instead release early next year.

According to Windows Report, a late 2016 or early 2017 release for the next Surface laptop is plausible, given that the original Surface Book is still a relevant flagship iteration. The Surface Book launched in October last year, and Microsoft is unlikely to introduce a refresh at this point.

However, speculations say that Apple is reportedly readying for a major launch at the company's annual WWDC. The WWDC 2016 will occur next month and will reportedly launch the 2016 edition of the MacBook Pro.

Given that the new MacBook Pro will have major upgrades over its predecessor, Microsoft will have to play catch-up. Rumor has it that the next Surface Book will house the latest generation Kaby Lake processors from Intel. Although the laptop is designed similarly to its predecessor, The Bitbag says that the Redmond-based tech giant will introduce new design and build features for the Surface Book 2, including a sleeker and slimmer build due to USB Type-C ports, Thunderbolt 3 feature, and a 4K display.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is also said to be fine-tuning the Surface Book 2 to include user and fan feedback on the original Surface Book. One of the noted glitches of the Surface Book last year was in its battery life, which prompted Microsoft to release numerous updates. It is expected that when the Surface Book 2 rolls out next year, Microsoft has already addressed this concern.