14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft and Apple are going head to head in the 2-in-1 market this year, but while Redmond is preparing just a hardware refresh to its existing generation, the Cupertino-based rival seems to be working on something that’s truly a major overhaul of its current models.
With a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro featuring no bezels and other big changes expected in early June, this week is particularly important for Microsoft, as the software giant will hold a new event on May 23 to announce its latest Surface plans.
Rumor has it that the company is also preparing a product unveiling, though the existing leaks and speculation are very unlikely to generate excitement among Microsoft fans.
Here comes the Surface Pro
The next Surface that could see daylight this week in Shanghai might be called simply Surface Pro and represent a makeover of the current Surface Pro 4, mostly under the hood.
As a result, Microsoft will announce new hardware upgrades, such as Kaby Lake chips, more RAM and storage, while the rest of the features and the overall design will remain 99 percent the same.
There are also rumors that Microsoft could bet big on the Alcantara fabric that it praised so much during the Surface Laptop unveiling, so the Surface Pro could come with a similar cover as well, though the company could go for the same strategy as for the existing model and offer it as an optional premium accessory.
Living proof that no big news are planned for Shanghai is that no live streaming is planned, so Microsoft will most likely publish a press release when the event is over, and that’s all.
The bigger problem here, however, is that no major upgrades are on the radar, and with Apple now getting ready to launch a substantially redesigned iPad Pro, Microsoft might have a hard time remaining relevant in the 2-in-1 fight against its Cupertino rival.
As far as the laptop battle goes, a new-generation Surface Book is projected to launch in the fall, possibly alongside a completely overhauled Surface Pro as well, while Apple could take the wraps off several new devices next month, including not only the iPad Pro but also hardware upgrades for the MacBook Pro lineup.