Microsoft Surface Pro 4 likely to be unveiled in mid-May

Microsoft unveiled the Surface Pro 3 on 20 May 2014 and it now appears the company is planning to unveil its successor during a similar time of the year.

Surface Pro 4 will make its international debut at a special event scheduled for the middle of May, reports SlashGear after obtaining information from an anonymous source.

In terms of its hardware configuration, the Surface Pro 4 is expected to have similar attributes to the Pro 3, with a 12in screen and 2160 x 1440 pixel display.

However, it will use the fifth-generation Intel (Broadwell) Core i-series processor, as opposed to the Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 for the Pro 3 (depending on the choice of model) or Core M processor that powers the latest MacBook. A few of its key accessories includes Type Cover 3 and third-generation Docking Station.

It is rumoured to have a fanless design, while retaining vent holes for heat radiation like the previous Surface models. It might pack a smaller battery when compared with Pro 3 but is likely to deliver similar or even longer battery life.

It is interesting these leaks surfaced after Microsoft's BUILD developer conference held in San Francisco at the end of April, where the company did not offer any details about the upcoming product. But it should be noted the Surface Pro 3 also was not announced at BUILD in 2014 but rather at a separate event.