MC1134174 – (Updated) Outlook Mobile for iOS and Android: Draft messages now minimize automatically when closed

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook

Platform:

Android, iOS, mobile, Online, US Instances, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Feature update, Updated message

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Outlook Mobile for iOS and Android will automatically minimize draft messages when closed, allowing quick resumption via a button in the message list. This rollout starts late September 2025 and completes by late October 2025. No admin action is needed; users should be informed of the change.

Details:
Updated October 2, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Introduction
We're introducing a new behavior in Outlook Mobile that improves draft handling. When users close a draft message in progress, it will now automatically minimize instead of closing completely. This allows users to quickly resume editing via a new button in the message list, enhancing productivity and reducing accidental draft loss.
When this will happen
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): Rollout will begin in late September 2025 (previously early September) and is expected to complete by late October 2025 (previously early March 2026).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-08-13

updated:
2025-10-02

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Change in Draft Handling
Users may initially be confused by the new behavior of drafts minimizing instead of closing, leading to potential frustration and decreased productivity until they adapt to the change.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/outlook-blog/outlook-mobile-for-ios-and-android-draft-messages-now-minimize/ba-p/123456

Training and Documentation Needs
The change requires updates to internal documentation and training materials to ensure users understand the new draft handling feature, which may lead to temporary gaps in user knowledge.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/outlook-blog/outlook-mobile-for-ios-and-android-draft-messages-now-minimize/ba-p/123456

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you're writing a document and you decide to take a break. Instead of losing your place or having to start over, you simply put a bookmark in the book. When you come back, you can easily pick up right where you left off. This is similar to the new feature in Outlook Mobile for iOS and Android.

Previously, if you were drafting an email and needed to pause, you might have closed the draft and then had to search for it later. Now, with the updated Outlook Mobile, when you close a draft, it doesn't disappear. Instead, it minimizes, like putting a bookmark in your email. You can easily find it again with a button in your message list, allowing you to resume your work without hassle.

This change is automatic and doesn't require any setup or configuration from you or your IT team. It's like having a built-in assistant that keeps track of your drafts, ensuring you don't lose them and can return to them quickly. Just like how a bookmark saves your place in a book, this feature saves your place in your email drafts, making your workflow smoother and more efficient.

As with any new feature, it's helpful to let your team know about this change so they can take full advantage of it. Updating any internal guides or training materials to reflect this new behavior can also be beneficial. This way, everyone can enjoy a more seamless experience with their email drafts.