check before: 2025-09-15
Product:
Copilot, Entra, Intune, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 suite, OneDrive, Outlook, Stream, Teams
Platform:
iOS, mobile, Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, Updated message
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting September 15, 2025, the Microsoft 365 Copilot iPhone app will offer file previews and Copilot Chat for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files but will no longer support editing; users must open standalone apps for editing. Similar updates will follow for iPad. No admin action is required, but user communication is recommended.
Details:
Updated August 26, 2025: After further review, this item is a duplicate of MC1136042. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to MC1136042.
Introduction
We're streamlining the Microsoft 365 Copilot mobile app on iPhone and iPad to help users interact with their content more naturally and efficiently. This update will introduce file previews of Word, Excel, PowerPoint files in the mobile app. In these file previews, users can easily view file contents and comments, as well as use Copilot Chat to command and ask questions about the file. As part of this change, users will be prompted to open the standalone Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps to edit their files. This change is rolling out in September for iPhone devices and coming later for iPad devices.
When this will happen
This update will be generally available for iPhone devices on September 15, and iPad devices soon after.
Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Release Phase:
Created:
2025-08-19
updated:
2025-08-27
Task Type
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Docu to Check
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS How does it affect me
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS Urgency
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS workload name
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
linked item details
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Pictures
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
summary for non-techies**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Direct effects for Operations**
Loss of Editing Capability
Users will no longer be able to edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files directly in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, leading to potential workflow disruptions and increased time to complete tasks as users must switch to standalone apps for editing.
- roles: End Users, Content Creators
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-copilot-blog/updated-streamlined-file-preview-and-copilot-chat-experience-in/ba-p/3823450
Increased User Frustration
The requirement to switch to standalone apps for editing may frustrate users who expect a seamless experience within the Copilot app, potentially leading to decreased productivity and user satisfaction.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-copilot-blog/updated-streamlined-file-preview-and-copilot-chat-experience-in/ba-p/3823450
Training and Documentation Needs
Organizations will need to update training materials and documentation to reflect the new file handling behavior, which may lead to temporary confusion among users unfamiliar with the changes.
- roles: Trainers, IT Administrators
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-copilot-blog/updated-streamlined-file-preview-and-copilot-chat-experience-in/ba-p/3823450
Dependency on Standalone Apps
Users will become dependent on the standalone Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps for editing, which may lead to issues if those apps are not installed or updated on their devices.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-copilot-blog/updated-streamlined-file-preview-and-copilot-chat-experience-in/ba-p/3823450
Potential Data Access Issues
If users do not have the standalone apps installed, they may face difficulties accessing and editing their documents, leading to delays in project timelines.
- roles: End Users, Project Managers
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-copilot-blog/updated-streamlined-file-preview-and-copilot-chat-experience-in/ba-p/3823450
Configutation Options**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Opportunities**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Potentional Risks**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
IT Security**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
explanation for non-techies**
Imagine you're in a library. You have a librarian who helps you find and understand books, but if you want to write notes or make changes to a book, you need to go to a specific section of the library where you can use the right tools. This is similar to the update happening with the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on iOS devices like iPhones and iPads.
Starting in September 2025, the Microsoft 365 Copilot app will allow you to preview Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files, much like how you can browse through a book with the librarian's help. You can use the Copilot Chat feature to ask questions and get insights about the files, similar to asking the librarian for more information about a book. However, if you want to edit these files, you'll need to use the standalone apps for Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, just like how you'd need to go to a specific section of the library to use special tools for writing or editing.
This change is designed to make it easier for users to interact with their files and get quick insights without needing to open multiple apps. However, when it comes to making changes, the standalone apps will provide the necessary tools and environment, similar to having a dedicated space in the library for editing.
For organizations, it's recommended to inform users about this change and encourage them to install the standalone apps from the iOS App Store. This will ensure they have the right tools at their disposal when they need to edit documents. Additionally, updating any internal documentation or training materials to reflect this new way of handling files will help users transition smoothly.
Overall, this update aims to streamline the user experience by providing a focused environment for previewing and interacting with files, while still offering the full editing capabilities through the standalone apps.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
a free basic plan is required to see more details. Sign up here
A cloudsocut.one plan is required to see all the changed details. If you are already a customer, choose login.
If you are new to cloudscout.one please choose a plan.
change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-08-27 | MC MessageTagNames | Feature update | Updated message, Feature update |
| 2025-08-27 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot iOS app will offer file previews and Copilot Chat for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files starting September 15, 2025, on iPhone, with editing requiring standalone apps. Similar updates will follow for iPad. Users will see prompts to install or open standalone apps for editing. | Starting September 15, 2025, the Microsoft 365 Copilot iPhone app will offer file previews and Copilot Chat for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files but will no longer support editing; users must open standalone apps for editing. Similar updates will follow for iPad. No admin action is required, but user communication is recommended. |
| 2025-08-27 | MC Last Updated | 08/19/2025 00:58:52 | 2025-08-26T22:34:01Z |
| 2025-08-27 | MC Messages | Introduction
We're streamlining the Microsoft 365 Copilot mobile app on iPhone and iPad to help users interact with their content more naturally and efficiently. This update will introduce file previews of Word, Excel, PowerPoint files in the mobile app. In these file previews, users can easily view file contents and comments, as well as use Copilot Chat to command and ask questions about the file. As part of this change, users will be prompted to open the standalone Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps to edit their files. This change is rolling out in September for iPhone devices and coming later for iPad devices. When this will happen This update will be generally available for iPhone devices on September 15, and iPad devices soon after. | Updated August 26, 2025: After further review, this item is a duplicate of MC1136042. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to MC1136042.
Introduction We're streamlining the Microsoft 365 Copilot mobile app on iPhone and iPad to help users interact with their content more naturally and efficiently. This update will introduce file previews of Word, Excel, PowerPoint files in the mobile app. In these file previews, users can easily view file contents and comments, as well as use Copilot Chat to command and ask questions about the file. As part of this change, users will be prompted to open the standalone Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps to edit their files. This change is rolling out in September for iPhone devices and coming later for iPad devices. When this will happen This update will be generally available for iPhone devices on September 15, and iPad devices soon after. |
| 2025-08-27 | MC How Affect | August 22, 2025:
When users edit or try to create a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on an iOS (iPhone or iPad) device, they will begin seeing a popup banner encouraging installation of standalone Word, Excel, or PowerPoint app. Users can choose to ignore the banner and continue in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, with no change to functionality. September 15, 2025: The Microsoft 365 Copilot app for iPhone will transition to a file preview experience for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files where they can view file contents and comments and use Copilot Chat to command and ask questions about the files. Users will not be able to edit files in the Microsoft 365 Copilot iPhone app. Instead, they will be prompted to open or install the standalone apps (ie. Microsoft Word iPhone app) to edit files. Teams, OneDrive, and Outlook apps will stop opening these files in the Microsoft 365 Copilot iPhone app for editing and instead prompt users to install or open the respective standalone apps. When opening a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file in the Microsoft 365 Copilot iPhone app via Search result, Copilot Chat response, or share to Microsoft 365 Copilot action from a third-party app, users will get a streamlined experience where they can preview the file contents and get Copilot Chat assistance on the file directly in the preview. In the Create experience in the Microsoft 365 Copilot iPhone app, users will get a chat-centered experience when creating a document rather than the template options in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint experience. With this, they will directly see a Copilot Chat conversation experience when selecting the Word, Excel or PowerPoint option from the Create Screen. There, they can create a file via a chat prompt. They may open the file in the standalone Word, Excel, or PowerPoint apps once created for further editing. After September 15, 2025: We will roll out a similar set of updates to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app for iPad. What you can do to prepare No admin action is required. However, we recommend: Informing iOS users about updates to file experiences in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app and encouraging installation of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps from the iOS App Store. Updating internal documentation and training materials to reflect the new file handling behavior for the Microsoft 365 Copilot iOS app. For organizations using mobile device management (MDM), consider pushing the standalone Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive apps to managed iOS devices. Compliance considerations Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI?Users can now more easily interact with files via Copilot Chat for summaries and insights. Does the change modify, interrupt, or disable any of the following capabilities (Purview)?Users can no longer edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app; users must use standalone apps. | August 22, 2025:
When users edit or try to create a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on an iOS (iPhone or iPad) device, they will begin seeing a popup banner encouraging installation of standalone Word, Excel, or PowerPoint app. Users can choose to ignore the banner and continue in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, with no change to functionality. September 15, 2025: The Microsoft 365 Copilot app for iPhone will transition to a file preview experience for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files where they can view file contents and comments and use Copilot Chat to command and ask questions about the files. Users will not be able to edit files in the Microsoft 365 Copilot iPhone app. Instead, they will be prompted to open or install the standalone apps (ie. Microsoft Word iPhone app) to edit files. Teams, OneDrive, and Outlook apps will stop opening these files in the Microsoft 365 Copilot iPhone app for editing and instead prompt users to install or open the respective standalone apps. When opening a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file in the Microsoft 365 Copilot iPhone app via Search result, Copilot Chat response, or share to Microsoft 365 Copilot action from a third-party app, users will get a streamlined experience where they can preview the file contents and get Copilot Chat assistance on the file directly in the preview. In the Create experience in the Microsoft 365 Copilot iPhone app, users will get a chat-centered experience when creating a document rather than the template options in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint experience. With this, they will directly see a Copilot Chat conversation experience when selecting the Word, Excel or PowerPoint option from the Create Screen. There, they can create a file via a chat prompt. They may open the file in the standalone Word, Excel, or PowerPoint apps once created for further editing. After September 15, 2025: We will roll out a similar set of updates to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app for iPad. What you can do to prepare No admin action is required. However, we recommend: Informing iOS users about updates to file experiences in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app and encouraging installation of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps from the iOS App Store. Updating internal documentation and training materials to reflect the new file handling behavior for the Microsoft 365 Copilot iOS app. For organizations using mobile device management (MDM), consider pushing the standalone Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive apps to managed iOS devices. Compliance AreaImpact Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI?Users can now more easily interact with files via Copilot Chat for summaries and insights. Does the change modify, interrupt, or disable any of the following capabilities (Purview)?Users can no longer edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app; users must use standalone apps. |
| 2025-08-27 | MC Title | Streamlined file preview and Copilot Chat experience in Microsoft 365 Copilot app for iOS | (Updated) Streamlined file preview and Copilot Chat experience in Microsoft 365 Copilot app for iOS |
| 2025-08-27 | MC End Time | 12/31/2025 09:00:00 | 2025-09-02T10:00:00Z |
Last updated 2 months ago ago
