Microsoft Surface Pro 3
An attendee photographs the new Microsoft Surface Pro 3, during the event in New York May 20, 2014. Reuters/Brendan McDermid

Surface Pro 4 is rumoured to arrive and replace the well-performing Surface Pro 3. Microsoft has made huge profits by releasing Surface Pro 3, the hybrid laptop that allows user to use it as a tablet and laptop. Prior to the arrival of Surface Pro 3, the Surface series devices were not doing well in the market. ZD Net claims that in the most recent quarter, the Surface slate business managed to gain $1.1 billion revenue.

Win Beta reports that the successor model for Surface Pro 3 will arrive very soon. It states that the unannounced Surface Pro 4 will be available in two display variants. It further states that the Surface Pro 4 will also come with a detachable keyboard that will allow users to use it both as a laptop and a tablet. It is also expected to feature 4G LTE connectivity.

One of the display variants of the Surface Pro 4 is expected to feature a 12-inch screen that supports a display resolution of 2,160 x 1,440 pixels. The other display variant will be launched with a new moniker of Surface Pro Mini. Both the unannounced editions of the Microsoft slates are speculated to feature the Intel Core M processors and Windows 10, says the International Business Times report.

According to the IBTimes report published in December 2014, the Surface Pro Mini is expected to feature an 8-inch or 10.1-inch display. Microsoft was speculated to be working on launching a smaller edition of Surface slate since 2012 but it was reportedly cancelled.

As of this writing, there is no confirmation on the Surface Pro 4 and the Surface Pro Mini tablets. Even though the Surface Pro 3 is quite popular even now, Master Herald says most of its variants have been discontinued.

Quite recently Microsoft slashed $100 on the Surface Pro 3. Rumours claim that the Redmond giant did so to clear old stock and bring in the new replacement. The Surface Pro 4 and the Surface Pro Mini are expected to release in the middle of this year.

To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, email a.sivanandan@ibtimes.com.au