Microsoft Surface Phone release date news, specs rumors: Foldable and pocketable device to be released in 2018

A green Lumia series smartphone running Windows 10 OS for mobileMicrosoft website

The Microsoft Surface Phone has been in the rumor mill for several months, and the lack of confirmed reports is raising the odds that the first smartphone under the Surface label will remain as pure speculation. However, latest rumors suggest that the Redmond-based tech giant is still pushing for the Surface Phone, but it might be quite different than what people are expecting.

As reported by BGR, Microsoft is now developing a new Surface device that is more special compared to the existing ones in the market. For one, the rumored Surface machine is said to highlight its folding capability. It does not sound too far-fetched that Microsoft has able to develop a technology to make a device with foldable display possible. To note, the company has already exhibited the Surface technology's impressive feats, like the recently-launched Surface Book 2.

Tech enthusiasts have started to speculate about the nature of Microsoft's first-ever foldable Surface device. For now, the gadget is being called the Andromeda, but the name is still expected to be replaced as the device is reportedly in prototype stage. Windows Central reported that the foldable Andromeda Surface device will use the new Windows Core OS, coupled with CShell that is compatible with a foldable display setup.

Aside from its foldable design, the rumored Surface device is also said to be pocketable. It is not clear if this Surface gadget will be packaged as a tablet, but its pocketability will make it work as a regular handset. In this case, the foldable Microsoft device could end up being the Surface Phone. It is rumored that the folding Surface Phone will arrive as early as 2018.

Earlier reports about Microsoft's announcement of the Windows 10 Mobile's demise have affected the Surface Phone rumors. With the Windows mobile platform now over, it seems impossible that Microsoft will be working on another smartphone, even if it belongs to the Surface family. To note, the Surface Phone is still expected to run the Windows 10 mobile OS, like the Lumia smartphone series.