Despite the expectation the next major Windows update would indeed be Windows 12, it appears we’re going to have to wait a little bit longer for it.
That’s because Windows 11 24H2 is expected to be the name of the next major Windows OS update in the second half of 2024.
This version is reportedly very AI-focused, which follows on from Microsoft’s recent theme of pushing the boundaries of what AI can do with many of its products and software.
Here’s what we know so far from rumors and news reports.
Windows 12: What we know so far and rumors
New AI Features
AI is at the forefront of everything Microsoft is doing at the moment, so there’s likely going to be an array of new AI features, powered by Microsoft Copilot.
Windows 11’s 23H2 update came packed with a bunch of powerful AI tools and features and this year’s 24H2 will likely be much of the same.
New Desktop UI
Windows may be very tightlipped about Windows 12, but they may have already given us a sneak peek on what to expect with the desktop layout when it arrives.
At Microsoft Ignite 2022, a snapshot of a Windows desktop, via ExtremeTech, was shared that appeared to be very different to what users were used to in Microsoft 11.
It includes a floating taskbar, a floating search panel, as well as weather information in the top left of the screen.
Windows Central’s Zac Bowden added that it might just be the first sighting of Windows 12 in the wild, with the design looking very similar to other Windows 12 designs Microsoft had been experimenting with that he had seen.
He confirmed the interface was “representative of the design goals that Microsoft is hoping to achieve with the next version of Windows.”
That suggests that, while what we’re seeing here might not be the final OS user interface, we should expect some significant changes to the desktop layout in Windows 12.
When is Windows 12 expected to be released?
The initial expectation was that it would arrive in the second half of 2024. However, with the next update confirmed to be Windows 23H2, it likely won’t be until the second half of 2025 that we finally get access to Windows 12.
There were six years between Windows 10 and Windows 11, which launched in October 2021. Before that, a major Windows release came every three years.
Windows has since announced an annual feature update for its OS, meaning September or October 2025 is now the expected time Windows 12 will debut.
How much could Windows 12 cost?
As is the case with all Windows OS updates, it costs nothing to update for those with devices that run Windows. As long as you have a valid license for Windows 10 or 11, you should be able to run Windows 12 for free.
However, there may be certain subscription models available on top, especially where its more powerful AI features are concerned, although that’s just speculation at this point.
If you want to buy Windows 12 as a standalone, we can look at Microsoft’s pricing strategy for Windows 11 as guidance. This means Windows 12 Home might cost around $139, while Windows 12 Pro will be nearer $199.
Featured Image: Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash
