As 2016 draws to a close, despite expecting to see a new Surface Pro this year, we will have to wait until possibly spring 2017 before Microsoft Corp. launches its latest two-in-one device. With plans to introduce a Surface Phone in 2017 in addition to the Surface Pro 5, next year could be a big year for the tech giant.

Microsoft hasn’t confirmed any details regarding the new Surface Pro 5, but that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from running in overdrive. Rumors suggest the Surface Pro 5 will have an updated processor, an eSim, a Surface Pen that can be charged wirelessly and more.

Here’s a look at the roundup of rumors for the Surface Pro 5:

Release date

After releasing the Surface Pro 4 (pictured) in October 2015, many expected to see the next version make an appearance this past October, but that didn’t happen. Microsoft’s October event rather showcased its Surface Studio with Surface Dial and Surface Book with i7 processor.

While it does mean that we may have to wait until October 2017, Microsoft could launch the Surface Pro 5 earlier in 2017. The company is due to launch its Windows 10 Creators Update in spring 2017, which could coincide with the launch of the Surface Pro 5.

Under the hood

Earlier this month, Microsoft demonstrated Windows 10 running on an ARM processor, which has many speculating that the new Surface Pro 5 will use a Qualcomm Snapdragon 635 processor instead of an Intel Kaby Lake chip. This would mean a longer battery life, and potentially the addition of LTE for mobile connectivity.

We’re pretty excited to show you this. Check out what #Windows10 looks like on an ARM-based computer. #WINHEC2016 pic.twitter.com/rqx6LGKIzP

— Windows Developer (@windowsdev) December 8, 2016

The more likely option though is that the Surface Pro 5 will ship with Intel’s latest architecture, the Kaby Lake focused Core i7. Microsoft’s non-Pro Surface model, the Surface 3, which was last updated in April 2015 could get upgraded with the ARM chip.  

Rumors suggest that the less expensive models of the Surface Pro will get a RAM upgrade to 16GB.

Surface Pen

The Surface Pen, which is included by default with the purchase of a Surface Pro, is rumored to receive an update with the Surface Pro 5. The touchscreen stylus received an update with the Surface Pro 4, but rumors for the Pro 5 point to a rechargeable Surface Pen and dock.

Patently Mobile reported in January that Microsoft had filed a patent application for the updated Surface Pen. While the current Surface Pen can magnetically attach to the tablet it requires an alkaline AAAA battery. If the rumor pans out the stylus will charge wirelessly when docking the stylus to the tablet.

Display and design

Rumors from Mobi Picker, based on sources from China, claim the Surface Pro 5 will have a 2K screen, but Microsoft will also offer a higher-end 4K model at a higher price.

Rumors also suggest Microsoft will follow Apple’s example with its new line of MacBook Pros and introduce a USB Type-C port, replacing the current USB 3.0 port.  

The Surface Pro 5 could also get camera improvements as well as upgrades to its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Rumors suggest that the Surface Pro 5 will have an eSIM card, which will allow the device to have its own internet connection. With the eSIM, users won’t have to rely on Wi-Fi and as eSIMs are universal roaming charges will be minimized.    

Price

While rumors are lacking when it comes to the pricing of the Surface Pro 5, the device is expected to come in a range of models and will be priced along the same lines of its predecessor.

The entry-level Surface Pro 4 is $899 and comes with an Intel Core M3 CPU, 128GB of solid-state storage and 4GB of RAM. For $1,299 you can get the Surface Pro 4 with Intel Core i5 processor,  256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. You can get the top-of-the-range Surface Pro 4 for $1,799 that comes with an Intel Core i7 processor, 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM. Microsoft is currently discounting some of its Surface Pro 4 models, so if you don’t mind the older model, you can pick up a discounted model now instead of waiting until spring 2017.

Image via Microsoft