Report: Microsoft May Release Surface Pro 5 before Apple’s MacBook Pro 2016

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is still causing waves in the market, yet lovers of these 2-in-1 tablets are so much eager for the release of a new Surface Pro 5 in the coming months.

Even though rumors about the next 2-in-1 tablet from Microsoft have not been touched on by the maker, the tech giant is still expected to unveil the successor to the Surface Pro 4 this year. According to the latest reports, the release of this device might even see an earlier date as opposed to Apple’s MacBook Pro 2016, which will reportedly be announced at this year’s WWDC event in June.

If the current rumors are to be believed, Microsoft will be rolling out the fifth generation of the Surface Pro series of tablets alongside a newer and refreshed Surface Book 2. As mentioned, these two may arrive earlier than the rumored 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops.

Microsoft and Apple are fierce competitors in the tech industry. This will be the latest battle the two share as they are targeting the same market. With the clash, it may mean that users will be able to choose between two products that are readily available, something that could even make the process harder for some users.

While rumors are claiming that Apple will announce the MacBook Pro 2016 this coming June during its developers’ conference, it is possible that the device will not see the light until July. If this is true, we might see a new Microsoft Surface Pro 5 and Surface Book 2 around the same time. Since these are just speculations, it is also possible that the new devices will be available in 2017, according to an earlier report.

Last month, ZDNet revealed that Microsoft was going to delay the release of a new Surface Pro 5 in order to prepare the chipsets that will power the device. Known as Kaby Lake, these Intel processors will probably be used in the upcoming set of laptops and 2-in-1 tablets from Microsoft, with the Surface Pro 5 and Surface Book 2 being among them. The Kaby Lake chip will be released somewhere before the end of this year.

If Microsoft is to go against this decision to use the latest processors from Intel, it might probably stick with the current Sky Lake chip and as a result, release the Surface Pro 5 this year as opposed to next year.