Originally slated to debut in late 2016, it is said that Microsoft is delaying the release of the upcoming Surface pro 5 in order to introduce major improvements.

Reportedly, one of the most noted tweaks that Microsoft will feature on the upcoming slate is its battery life. This is understandable, as the major negative feedback for the current-gen Surface Pro lineup is its mediocre usage times. Although the battery is rated to provide at least 9 hours' worth of use, some fans have said that usage times may vary. In addition, other slate hybrids, as well as laptops, offer significantly improved battery life.

Meanwhile, aside from a massive jump in usage times, the Surface Pro 5 is also said to carry top-tier specs that may even make it a good gaming station. According to rumors, the premium model of the new slate hybrid will carry 16 GB of RAM and at least 512 GB of storage onboard. This is in addition to the seventh-gen Kaby Lake processor, and 4K display. There is also USB Type-C connectivity and Surface Pen integration, making the Surface Pro 5 both gaming-friendly and workstation device.

As for its release date, Microsoft has yet to come out with a specific debut for its new Surface products. Absent a late 2016 introduction, it is more likely that the Surface Pro 5 will come out early next year, upon completion of the Redstone update for the Windows 10 platform. Microsoft has already confirmed that the major platform update will come out in two parts, with the introduction patch launching possibly in October, and the Redstone 2 update being completed around March.

Aside from the completed Windows 10 update, Microsoft may also be targeting an early 2017 release for the Surface pro 5 to go head to head with its fiercest rival, Apple. Rumors say that the Cupertino-based tech giant will introduce the new iPad Pro 2 around that time.