The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 has been widely rumored for a while now, and it looks like many reports are pointing toward an early 2017 release at the latest. This is mainly because Microsoft may be waiting for two essential features that will be incorporated into the new device.

Reports have claimed that Microsoft is eyeing the new Windows 10 OS Update, dubbed the Redstone 2 or RS2. Given that the second update of the operating system has experienced a delay, the Surface Pro 5 could be following suit since it's aiming to adopt it. 

On the other hand, there's also the Kaby Lake processor from Intel that is reportedly going to be featured on the Surface Pro 5. It is widely believed that Intel will launch the processor early next year, which means Microsoft has some waiting to do before it can get its hands on it.

There are also other reports claiming that the Surface Pro 5 could be seeing a release in October at the earliest. The basis of the assumption comes from historical data. The Surface Pro 5's predecessor, the Pro 4, was released in October 2015. And since it is also unlikely that Microsoft would put out another iteration in the lineup in less than a year, October 2016 is a good guess. However, since the Kaby Lake processor and the Windows 10 OS Update are not scheduled to be released until 2017, there is enough reason to believe that the Surface Pro 5 could drop in the same year.

One thing is for sure, though — Microsoft is looking to up its game, especially since the Surface Pro 4 was met with mediocre reviews. Many criticized the Surface Pro 4's battery life, not lasting as long as everyone expected it to. Additionally, there was the issue of the stylus pen, which had to run on batteries. It is believed that Microsoft will lengthen battery life in the Surface Pro 5 and opt for a rechargeable stylus this time around.

Since nothing has been officially confirmed yet, tech enthusiasts should take this news with a grain of salt for now.