Rumors on technology forums are suggesting that Microsoft's Surface Pro 4 will have a release date that coincides with the launch of Apple's MacBook Pro in 2016. 

This is based on both company's longstanding rivalry that has witnessed near-simultaneous releases of devices in order to balance out competition. 

But competition from Apple may not be the only reason why the highly-anticipated tablet is being put on hold.

Microsoft is rumored to have pushed back the release date for the Surface Pro 4 to 2016 because of a new deal with Samsung, Business Korea reports. 

The agreement between both companies involves the delivery of approximately 20 million units of solid state drives that may be used for the tablet. 

Other reports have suggested, however, that the release date of the Surface Pro 4 may coincide with back-to-school season. Launching the product in the second half of 2015 would allow Microsoft to promote the soon-to-be-released Windows 10 on the tablet. 

The company's Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella recently sent out an e-mail to employees that has sparked rumors about the possibility of the Surface Pro 4 being cancelled. 

In his letter, he discussed shifting the company's focus toward more profitable products and creating a new culture. Read Nadella's leaked company letter here.