check before: 2026-02-01
Product:
Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook
Platform:
Android, iOS, Online, US Instances, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting early to mid-February 2026, Outlook for iOS on iPads may open Word, Excel, and PowerPoint attachments directly in their respective apps if installed, instead of using the in-app previewer. This experiment requires no admin action and may not be permanent.
Details:
Introduction
We're conducting an experiment that changes how Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file attachments open in Outlook for iOS. For iPad users only, these files may open directly in the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint apps when they are installed, instead of using the in-app previewer.
When this will happen:
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCCH, DoD): We will begin rolling out this experiment in early to mid-February 2026 and expect to decide whether to proceed with or stop the rollout by the late March 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-02-05
updated:
2026-02-06
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**
Starting from early to mid-February 2026, some iPad users will experience a change where Word, Excel, or PowerPoint attachments in Outlook might open directly in the respective apps if installed, as part of an experimental trial to enhance user experience.
Direct effects for Operations**
Change in File Opening Behavior
iPad users may experience a disruption in their workflow as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint attachments will open in separate apps instead of the in-app previewer, potentially leading to confusion and inefficiency.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-february-2026/ba-p/123456
User Experience Disruption
Users accustomed to the in-app previewer may find the transition to opening files in separate apps jarring, which could lead to frustration and decreased productivity during the adjustment period.
- roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2026/02/01/whats-new-in-outlook-for-ios/
Configutation Options**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2026-02-06 | MC Messages | Introduction
We're conducting an experiment that changes how Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file attachments open in Outlook for iOS and Android. For iPad users only, these files may open directly in the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint apps when they are installed, instead of using the in-app previewer. When this will happen: General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCCH, DoD): We will begin rolling out this experiment in early to mid-February 2026 and expect to decide whether to proceed with or stop the rollout by the late March 2026. | Introduction
We're conducting an experiment that changes how Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file attachments open in Outlook for iOS. For iPad users only, these files may open directly in the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint apps when they are installed, instead of using the in-app previewer. When this will happen: General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCCH, DoD): We will begin rolling out this experiment in early to mid-February 2026 and expect to decide whether to proceed with or stop the rollout by the late March 2026. |
| 2026-02-06 | MC Title | Files in Outlook for iOS and Android will open in Word, Excel or Powerpoint app on iPad | Files in Outlook for iOS will open in Word, Excel or Powerpoint app on iPad |
| 2026-02-06 | MC Last Updated | 02/05/2026 00:59:48 | 2026-02-05T19:04:36Z |
| 2026-02-06 | MC Summary | Starting early to mid-February 2026, Outlook for iOS and Android on iPads may open Word, Excel, and PowerPoint attachments directly in their apps if installed, replacing the in-app previewer. This experiment affects iPad users only, requires no admin action, and may not be permanent. | Starting early to mid-February 2026, Outlook for iOS on iPads may open Word, Excel, and PowerPoint attachments directly in their respective apps if installed, instead of using the in-app previewer. This experiment requires no admin action and may not be permanent. |
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