Fans have been hearing about the Surface Phone almost for the entirety of 2016. However, Microsoft is still not releasing an official statement on the matter. Instead, the company has allowed its fans to figure things out by themselves. Whether this gives fans false hopes or a reason to be excited, it's hard to tell. What's certain as of now is that Microsoft has not verified the existence of the Surface Phone yet, but there might be clues lurking around that confirms its arrival. Here are some:

1. Lumia might be cancelled soon.

Rumors about the Lumia brand's cancellation started to circulate about a couple of months ago. It was said that Microsoft will be killing their older Windows Phone line to make room for a new mobile phone under the Surface brand. This is further supported by the discounts given to Lumia phones every now and then. Some of the discounts were even made permanent. Some people believe that this is because Microsoft is disposing all of its Lumia phones in light of the cancellation and to prepare for the arrival or the Surface Phone.

2. A patent has been spotted, and it could be for the Surface Phone.

Recent news from IBTimes reveal that Microsoft has applied for a fingerprint scanning patent called 'fingerprint detection with transparent cover'. This news further supported the idea that Microsoft is about to release a new phone. Whether the device is already finished or still in progress, no one has spilled the info yet. However, it's almost sure that it's coming, simply because the said fingerprint scanning technology doesn't seem too appropriate for the Surface Pro, Surface Book or any non-mobile phone device. With that information at hand, it won't be impossible that a new smartphone will be released from Microsoft soon.

3. Subtle hints are coming out from Microsoft officials.

Microsoft has not confirmed the device yet, but clues are coming in once in a while indicating that maybe, the Surface Phone does exist. A few weeks ago, Microsoft Engineering's Laura Butler said that the Surface Phone is "not NOT confirmed". This ordinary typo error or a subtle clue clearly did not help killing the widespread rumor about the device. Also, another leak came from their Australia branch and it showed a teaser literally showing a shadow of a supposed smartphone with the caption implying that there is a new member of the Surface family.

4. It's impossible for Microsoft to give up on their mobile phone division.

Microsoft's Windows phones may not be as popular as other flagship iOS and Android phones, but their devices usually cater to a different market. With Microsoft being one of the most trusted tech companies, it's impossible that they would give up on producing high-quality smartphones with top-notch specs. A 're-branding' is more likely to happen rather than a total elimination of a flagship phone.

5. Microsoft Surface is doing well.

Last year's Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book were both a big success. In fact, the releases were almost perfect. After years of Surface Pro development, it looks like last year's releases had the least flaws. This is proven by Microsoft's revenue growth in its Surface division. According to Windows Central, the revenue figures was up to $965 million for the said quarter. With a success like this, it is not impossible that Microsoft would launch a new phone under this division.