Microsoft is preparing to “end sales” of its Lumia smartphones by the end of the year, according to an anonymous internal source.

And in a decision that will surprise almost nobody, Microsoft is believed to be planning to replace its underperforming Lumia range with a new Surface Phone.

The anonymous tipster’s predictions have seemingly been borne out recently, both by the fact that just four Lumia models are left on the market, with no more forthcoming, and by reports that many retailers have been offering discounts and removing the phones from in-store prominence. Microsoft has even removed the link to buy Lumias from its US website, and dialled back their presence in other regions.