References to Windows 11 24H2 have been revealed.
Complete confusion
What does it mean for Windows 12? Last summer it was more or less confirmed that Microsoft would go back to launching major Windows upgrades every three years, and because Windows 11 was launched in 2021, the math is simple enough. But with the new version number, which is high enough to mean a major launch next year, will Windows 12 come, or is it just Windows 11.2 now that we have been served "Windows 11.1" with the Moment 4 update?
No one knows what Microsoft's plans are, regardless of whether Intel has hinted at a major overhaul of Windows next year. The Verge's Windows journalist Tom Warren wrote the other day the article "Microsoft, can't we just call it Windows 11.1?"
AI is more than important enough
It is quite possible that Warren will get his wish, because Microsoft still hasn't talked about any "Windows 12," or hinted at a new big launch next year. To be counted as a major upgrade, it should be more than "under the hood" upgrades and in additionally include interface upgrades.
All the talk around Windows 12 flared up when Microsoft itself leaked an upgraded interface with what looked like a notification center at the top, instead of on the right side. What if notifications are moved to the top of the interface, and the AI, in this case CoPilot, is found on the right side of the “Windows 12” interface?
Will it be Windows 11.2?
Either 24H2 is an internal code name for what will be Windows 12, or The Verge will get its wish and Windows 11.2 will be launched next year, with or without an upgraded user interface, in the form of Moment 5.
In any case, it is expected that PC sales will increase by around eight percent and that AI and ARM machines will be a driving force for that. For many, ARM and AI support will be enough for Microsoft to mention new Windows for Windows 12, among other things to drive sales of new hardware, but this points in a different direction. What do you think?