With two new professional-level hybrids from Apple now out on the market, speculations suggest that Microsoft will have to play a little bit of catch-up as it releases the much-anticipated Surface Pro 5 this year.

Apple has already made selecting a hybrid tablet difficult as it expanded its iPad Pro lineup in two sizes – those who are wont to get a laptop-sized screen can check out the original 12.9-inch tablet, while fans who are always on the go and value portability can get the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

However, Microsoft is unlikely to budge with its signature dimensions for the Surface lineup, and the Surface Pro 5 is looking to stay the same – at least on the outside. According to IBTimes, Microsoft is looking to improve the new hybrid's internals and features to compete head-on against the two iPad Pros.

While it is already expected of the new Microsoft tablet to carry the Windows 10 platform, the industry giant reportedly has an ace up its sleeve. The new Surface Pro 5 will reportedly be the showcase product for Microsoft's improved OS, the Windows 10 Redstone edition.

In addition, Inquisitr predicts that Microsoft will place the Surface Pro 5 as a performance-driven tablet, much like the previous iterations. Reportedly, one big change that Microsoft will make with the new Surface Pro is a processor upgrade, with an Intel 7th-gen Kaby Lake processor. This new processor brings many improvements and tweaks to features, such as faster processing speed and better battery management.

Meanwhile, although Microsoft will not introduce new dimensions with the Surface Pro 5, it will improve on the tablet's aesthetics. Rumors of a 12.3-inch 4K screen continue to surface, as well as an improved Surface Pen and better Type Cover accessories.

While Microsoft has yet to come out with details, it is speculated that the Surface Pro 5 may appear later this year.