MC1184410 – Microsoft Outlook for iOS/Android: Automatic replies collapsed by default in email thread

Product:

Exchange, Outlook

Platform:

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

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, User impact

Links:

523208
523207

Details:

Summary:
Outlook for iOS and Android will automatically collapse automatic replies in email threads by default starting December 2025. Users can expand these replies if needed. This change applies to all users, requires no configuration, and does not affect message delivery or reply behavior.

Details:
[Introduction]
To help users focus on the main conversation flow, Outlook for iOS and Android will now automatically collapse automatic replies (such as out-of-office messages) within email threads. These messages remain accessible and can be expanded when needed, providing a cleaner and more consistent reading experience. Now when users receive multiple automatic replies at once, they appear collapsed in the reading pane by default. Users can then expand to access all the automatic replies if desired.
This message is associated with Roadmap ID 523207 and 523208.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCCH): Rollout begins early December 2025; expected to complete late December 2025

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-11-10

updated:
2025-11-10

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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linked item details

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience with Email Threads
Automatic replies will be collapsed by default, potentially leading to confusion for users who may not notice important out-of-office messages.
   - roles: End Users, Helpdesk Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=523207, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=523208

Internal Documentation and Communication
The change requires updates to internal documentation and communication to helpdesk staff to prevent confusion among users regarding email thread behavior.
   - roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Documentation Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=523207, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=523208

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Starting in December 2025, Microsoft Outlook for iOS and Android will introduce a new feature where automatic replies, like out-of-office messages, will be collapsed by default in email threads. This change is designed to help users focus on the main conversation without the distraction of multiple automatic replies cluttering the view. Think of it like reading a book where footnotes are hidden until you choose to view them. The main story continues uninterrupted, but you can still access the extra details whenever you need them.

This feature will be automatically enabled for all users, meaning no additional setup is required. It won’t affect how messages are delivered or how replies are sent; it simply changes how automatic replies are displayed. Users can easily tap to expand these messages if they want to read the full content.

For organizations, it’s a good idea to inform helpdesk staff about this update to prevent any confusion among users. Additionally, any internal guides or documentation that mention email thread behavior in Outlook mobile apps should be updated to reflect this change.

Overall, this update aims to provide a cleaner and more streamlined email reading experience on mobile devices, allowing users to manage their inboxes more efficiently.