Everyone has been waiting for the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 since last year, but there is still no word on when the anticipated hybrid hardware will arrive.

Release

Considering previous Surface Pro releases, IT PRO notes that it is tricky to determine the launch date. Surface Pro 3 came out in May 2016, while the Surface Pro 4  was unveiled in October in the same year. Initial rumors suggest the hybrid laptop will be announced in May 2017 at the tech giant's Build Conference, but some reports say otherwise. Other media outlets claim that Microsoft could hold back Surface Pro 5 until later in the year. 

Specs

PC Advisor reports that Surface Pro 5 might have an updated Surface Pen (the stylus bundled with Surface Pro tablets). The stylus will likely be improved, so that it has a rechargeable battery that can be wirelessly charged when attached to the tablet.

Additionally, rumors claim that Surface Dial will be added to the upcoming laptop. Originally launched with Surface Studio all-in-one PC, the new version of Surface Dial could be made smaller for Surface Pro 5. Its processor will likely be Intel's sixth-generation Skylake chip or the next-generation chip code-named Kaby Lake.

Why Microsoft should release Surface Pro 5 soon

Official details about Surface Pro 5 remain scarce, but if one thing is for sure Microsoft has to release the device the soonest. According to Tech Radar, the company recently revealed its latest fiscal results, and the sales figures for Surface hybrids are not looking good. In the latest quarter, earnings from Surface devices dropped by 26 percent year-on-year. Of course, the issue is likely caused by Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book, which are both looking more outdated compared to hybrids from other tech giants.

In fact, Acer is now trying to challenge Microsoft's Surface line with its latest two-in-one device, the Switch 5. Dubbed as the "silent Surface killer," Switch 5 is one of the new devices that could help Microsoft up its game when it comes to the upcoming Surface Pro 5.

Microsoft's next event "#MicrosoftEDU" will be held in New York City, on May 2. Fans expect that further details about Surface Pro 5 will be revealed during the major event.