Microsoft Surface revamp in October, but still no Surface Phone

Microsoft will unveil new hardware and software for the company’s Surface family on October 2.

The launch event, being held in New York, will focus on updated models across existing Surface product lines – which currently include tablets and laptops – rather than a Surface phone or a whole new category of device, according to a person familiar with the company’s plans.

This would rule out the debut of Microsoft's top-secret Andromeda device, which has been described as a  'Surface Mini' with a unique folding dual-screen form factor.

A mock-up of Microsoft's 'Andromeda' Surface device by designer David Beyer

Read more: Microsoft Andromeda – a folding dual-screen 'Surface Mini'?

For several years Microsoft has held an autumn event to show off new products, even if it’s already unveiled other new Surface devices earlier in the year. July brought a new category from  Microsoft – the Surface Go tablet, which is intended to complete with more affordable Apple iPads.

Read: Microsoft Surface Go is a compact 2-in-1 version of the Surface Pro

The coming six weeks will also see Apple introduce three new iPhones and a fourth-generation Apple Watch on September 12.

This will include a new high-end iPhone with a 6.5-inch display, likely to be dubbed the iPhone Xs or Xs Max, and an upgrade to the current iPhone X with a 5.8-inch OLED screen. Both devices are expected to be sold in some regions with dual-SIM card slots.

Read: Apple's new iPhone Xs, Watch 4 revealed ahead of launch

A larger-screen Apple Watch, new iPad Pro models and a MacBook Air with a Retina screen are also tipped to break cover.

Google will hold its own media event on October 9 with the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones (which have already been widely leaked) taking centre stage, although pundits are predicting everything from an Android-powered smartwatch to a second-generation Pixelbook and a new set of Pixel Buds.

Additional reporting by David Flynn