With the recent surge of rumors surrounding Windows 12, many speculate that we could see a launch as early as June 2024.
While Microsoft hasn’t officially confirmed a release date, multiple reports suggest that the company is preparing for its next-generation operating system, continuing the three-year update cycle observed with Windows 10 and 11.
Rumored Release Date
Initial reports indicated that Windows 12 would be released sometime in 2025, but recent leaks, especially from sources like The Commercial Times and Tom’s Hardware, have shifted the timeline earlier to mid-2024.
These rumors have been further bolstered by industry insiders and leaks from Intel, which referenced a major operating system update to accompany their next-generation processors​.
The release could align with Microsoft’s strategic move to introduce AI-powered PCs that would heavily utilize artificial intelligence for everyday tasks.
What Can We Expect from Windows 12?
Windows 12 is expected to be a significant leap forward in terms of AI integration and system capabilities.
In recent years, Microsoft has been embedding AI across its products, from its Copilot features to AI tools integrated within the Edge browser. With Windows 12, this trend is expected to continue and even accelerate.
Key AI Features
Microsoft has been prioritizing AI-driven enhancements, particularly focusing on productivity, task automation, and personalization.
The new OS could feature AI assistants that work across different applications, potentially recognizing the context of emails, documents, and browsing behavior to suggest actions, reminders, or insights.
This shift toward contextual AI could further revolutionize workflows by learning user habits and streamlining processes.
One of the anticipated features is Windows Recall, which could allow the system to track user activities and enable natural language searches across all tasks performed on the PC.
This AI-powered feature would provide more personalized computing experiences akin to advanced memory functions, assisting users with recalling documents, apps, or websites they’ve used​.
UI and Design Overhaul
Microsoft has also been testing new user interface concepts, some of which were accidentally leaked in 2022. These changes include a more streamlined, modern design to optimise the experience for tablet users while keeping it intuitive for desktop users. Some of the rumored design changes include:
- A floating taskbar that resembles macOS, with pinned apps and active applications no longer fixed to the bottom of the screen.
- A floating search bar and weather panel located at the top of the screen for quick access.
- Smoother transitions and animations optimized for widescreen devices​.
While these designs may still be in development, it’s clear that Microsoft is aiming for a more fluid and versatile desktop environment that caters to both power users and casual consumers alike.
System Requirements and Hardware Support
With the heavy emphasis on AI features, Windows 12 is likely to demand more powerful hardware than its predecessor.
Early reports suggest that Windows 12 could require devices equipped with AI accelerators or dedicated neural processing units (NPUs) to handle on-device AI processing.
This would align with Intel’s Meteor Lake processors and AMD’s Ryzen 7040 mobile chips, which are designed with AI capabilities in mind​.
Other potential system requirements could see a further shift from TPM 2.0, required for Windows 11, to more advanced hardware demands, possibly making Windows 12 exclusive to newer devices with these capabilities.
Price and Subscription Model
As with most major Windows updates, users who already have a valid license for Windows 10 or Windows 11 are expected to receive Windows 12 as a free upgrade.
However, rumors suggest that Microsoft may introduce subscription models for access to advanced features, particularly for AI-driven tools.
While no concrete details are available yet, this approach would be in line with Microsoft’s broader strategy of offering premium services for enterprise and power users​.
Conclusion
With a potential release date set for June 2024, Windows 12 promises to be a transformative update, with AI at the forefront of its features.
From enhanced productivity tools to a sleek new interface, it seems Microsoft is once again preparing to push the boundaries of what an operating system can do.
However, as we await official announcements, it’s worth keeping an eye on Windows 11’s 24H2 update, which will likely lay the groundwork for the AI features that will fully mature with Windows 12.
The next six months will be crucial for those eager to experience the next chapter in Microsoft’s OS evolution as more information trickles out regarding features, system requirements, and potential pricing models.
Until then, the tech world is buzzing with excitement and speculation as Windows 12 prepares to take center stage.
Curious about the next big thing in tech? Just as Windows 12 rumors are swirling, advancements in AI-powered systems could shape the future of gaming too! Dive into our guide on the Chamber of Justice puzzle in Baldur's Gate 3 to see how AI and strategic thinking come together in the gaming world.
