AI features and gadgets appear to be a major component of Windows’ future.
It has already been confirmed by Microsoft that the significant Windows OS upgrade scheduled for this year is a Windows 11 feature update. This implies that Windows 12 won’t be released until 2024. It does not exclude Windows 12 from ever being released. What features may a Windows 12 release have, and when might it happen?
Here’s what we believe to be true about Windows 12 and what we want to see added.
WINDOWS 12: RELEASE DATE
The Windows 11 2024 Update, commonly referred to as version 24H2, is anticipated to be the upcoming edition of Windows later this year. This release is unique since it is built upon a new version of the Windows platform, codenamed Germanium, which is a continuation of Windows 11.
Germanium was reportedly going to be the foundational platform for Windows 12; however, with the retirement of former Windows chief Panos Panay, Microsoft appears to have abandoned this idea and decided to introduce the new Windows platform with Windows 11.
Regardless of the veracity of such rumors, it indicates that this year’s Windows 12 OS will not be released. Fall 2025 would be the next earliest possible date for a Windows 12 release, with an announcement most likely made in early summer 2025. This would proceed in the same manner as the 2021 release of Windows 11.
WINDOWS 12: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Of course, we don’t know what kind of additional system requirements Windows 12 may impose, given it’s still only a theoretical version. The system requirements for Windows 11 state that a computer with an Intel 8th-generation or AMD Ryzen 2000 series CPU or above is required. In addition, a TPM and at least 4GB of RAM are needed. Potential Windows 12 could raise these specifications even further.
As we’ve already started to see with the launch of Copilot+ PCs on Windows 11 version 24H2, which have exclusive access to features like on-device image generation and Windows Recall, I do believe we might see some features (likely AI-focused) limited to more recent PCs with a neural processing unit (NPU) or GPU that can handle on-device AI processing.
WINDOWS 12: USER INTERFACE
Microsoft unintentionally released an experimental user interface idea in 2022 that it was investigating for a potential Windows update. This idea changed the section of the Taskbar containing pinned and running programs into a floating dock along the bottom of the screen, resembling macOS, and positioned the Taskbar system tray, search bar, and weather button along the top of the screen.
According to sources, this interface was being investigated as a way to make Windows better for tablet users without sacrificing the wonderful experience for mouse users. It also includes a new login page that was better suited for wide-screen displays, along with more fluid gestures and animations.
It’s unclear if this Windows desktop design will ever be released because this UI concept was only an experiment. Additionally, it was a design that was investigated under the direction of former Windows chief Panos Panay, suggesting that it was abandoned after he left.
We believe that Windows 12 would be a plausible home for this design, given major desktop UX updates are typically accompanied by new Windows product releases.
WINDOWS 12: NEW FEATURES
Once more, we don’t have any concrete information on the features that Windows 12 may offer as it is currently simply a theoretical release. Microsoft’s current passion is AI experiences, which come pre-installed on new Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11.
Presumably, Windows 12 will expand upon the AI frenzy by adding more sophisticated features, including an assistant that can make contextual recommendations depending on what you’re seeing on your computer. It may be able to identify individuals in emails or chats between different programs, as well as pick up on your routines to optimize computer processes.
Right now, all of these are hypothetical features. Microsoft is currently developing Windows Recall for Windows 11, a feature that will examine everything you do on your computer and generate natural language searchable memories. Due to negative feedback, the feature—which was originally scheduled to debut on June 18 alongside Copilot+ PCs—was postponed.
Read More:
- Microsoft Office 2024 Beta Released: Revealing New Functionalities and Boosting Collaboration.
Windows 11 24H2 Update: A Glimpse into Microsoft’s Big Fall Upgrade with a Dose of Reality.
Windows 11 to Get Supercharged with AI for Enhanced Productivity and Search.
Apple Guarantees ChatGPT Will Be Available on iOS 18 ‘By Year’s End’.
