Microsoft's planned May 23 event on Shanghai, China is unlikely to debut the rumored Surface Pro 5. Instead, the tech giant will introduce a hardware that is part of the Surface line, possibly a rebrand of the 2-in-1 Surface Pro for its 2017 release.

This appears to be one of the scenarios pointed to by Microsoft Surface chief Panos Panay when he told CNET: "There's no such thing as a Pro 5." The company exec also highlighted Microsoft's willingness to introduce "meaningful changes," that according to him do not necessarily pertain to hardware improvements.

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Picking up on the CNET report, WCCFTech said Panay could be hinting an upcoming upgrade of the Surface Pro 2017 that is more focused on fresh software capabilities, in line with the recent statement from known Microsoft insider Paul Thurrott that the sequel to the Pro 5 will not include jaw-dropping upgrades.

The only notable jump that will be part of the SP5 is Intel's Kaby Lake processing chip, the report added.

And as teased by Panay, the chance is high Microsoft will unbox the next-generation Surface Pro under a new name but still part of the already established Surface line.

In whatever official name that the new Surface device will launch, it is expected to take the role as Microsoft's showcase device for the Windows 10 Creators Update that was recently rolled out. The hybrid device is seen to deliver productivity-focused features and functionalities that will to business users and general consumers alike.

Or the next Surface Pro could also be the front liner on Microsoft's ramped up campaign to increase the company's presence in China. A separate report by WCCFTech took note that previously the tech giant opted for New York product unveiling so the May 23 Shanghai event is likely signaling the company's pivot to China.

If indeed the Surface Pro 5, likely bearing a different name, will make an appearance on May 23 the device release date could follow immediately.