Despite the lack of any official announcement, the purported Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is deemed by several sources as one of the most anticipated devices of 2017.

Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Release Date

Rumors running rampant online indicate that this 2-in-1 detachable will be announced in spring of 2017. The speculation stems from the fact that the Redmond-based tech firm did not launch a tablet this year, despite reports. Previous reports have hinted that the device will be announced before the end of 2016; however, that hasn't been the case so far. Tech pundits are taking this as an indication that the device will arrive sometime next year.

Other reports attributed the delay on the company's decision to equip Microsoft Surface Pro 5 with Intel's Kaby Lake processors, which is expected to release in spring next year. This speculation was recently debunked as a report from TheBitBag suggests that the upcoming Microsoft Surface Pro will pack Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 instead.

Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Specs

There's also hearsay that the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 could come with 16GB of RAM --- just like the current Surface Pro 4, which offers up to a mammoth 1TB of storage. Apparently, the Pro 5 will equal the Surface 4 specs at the very least.

The Surface Pro 5 is likely to feature a rechargeable Surface Pen and boast USB-C ports as well. The new Surface Pen is expected to undergo a radical cosmetic appearance, evolving from a plastic design to an eye-catching magnetic appearance. It's worth noting that the Pro 5 is also rumored to come with a magnetic charging dock, TechRadar reported.

Microsoft Surface Pro 5 vs. Apple MacBook Pro

If rumors hinting that the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 will boast Kaby Lake architecture prove to be true, the device will turn out to be more robust as compared to Apple's latest MacBook and MacBook Pro lineup. There are several technical trade-offs to make when it comes to laptop specifications. However, Apple has concentrated primarily on maintaining a long battery life for its latest MacBook Pro lineup.