Given the many possibilities for the next generation of Windows, 2024 will undoubtedly be an interesting year. Until recently, most people in the tech world seemed almost entirely convinced that the next version of Windows (commonly referred to in the industry as "Windows 12") would arrive this year. This builds on an earlier rumor that Microsoft would return to a three-year Windows release cadence.
Meanwhile, it was only last December that we had the first news about the next Windows 11 version, 24H2, which Microsoft mentioned in Group Policy related to the new DMSA feature.
Mentioning the next version could portend a few things: Windows 11 24H2 co-exists with Windows "12"; or the latter could be delayed, though this goes against the rumors of a three-year release cycle we mentioned earlier.
Maybe we're right to some extent, Windows "12" may not be landing this year, possibly as a result of the departure of former Windows and Surface chief Panos Panay, according to a new report from Windows Central. Regarding Windows 11 version 24H2, the report stated:
Many predict that Microsoft will eventually call this update "Windows 12" as it is expected to be in sync with the next generation of artificial intelligence PCs and experiences. However, this is just a rumor, and sources say it is unlikely since former Windows CEO Panos Panay has left.
Instead, Windows 1124H2 will likely be available sometime in September, and the focus will likely be primarily on Windows 1124H2.
Sources say Microsoft is targeting a September release of the 24H2 version, and the company expects to complete the update in the summer. I heard that Microsoft plans to market this version as an AI-centric version to work with the next generation of AI-powered PCs that Microsoft has announced for launch in 2024.
As mentioned above, the report states that the 24H2 update will be completed in the summer, while several major OEMs and PC manufacturers will also launch a series of "AI PCs" in June, possibly around the time of Computex Taipei.
Therefore, Windows 1124H2 looks to be a fairly significant upcoming release, unlike the 23H2 version, which was downloaded via an enablement package (EKB) based on 22H2.
Recently, Dell also mentioned "Windows 1124H1", but this may be wrong, as a Microsoft spokesperson denied this statement and confirmed to Windows Central that its annual release cycle remains unchanged.
All in all, it seems that the first generation of artificial intelligence PCs may land on Windows 11, and future artificial intelligence PCs may usher in Windows "12". These rumors also give a sense that perhaps Microsoft, itself, isn't entirely sure what the best way to move into the next generation of AI-rich Windows is.