Microsoft 365: Visual refresh of app icons
From Microsoft 365 Message Center Archive by Merill Fernando · Microsoft may not have sent this notice to your tenant.Rollout
Rollout dates are often only in the text. When Microsoft moves them, the change shows under "What changed".
What the notice says
Microsoft’s text, safely structuredUpdated October 24, 2025: We have updated the content below. Thank you for your patience
Introduction
We’re introducing refreshed Microsoft 365 app icons for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the rest of Microsoft 365 productivity tools. The newly designed Microsoft 365 icons reflect a strategic shift in Microsoft 365—unified, intuitive, and designed for flow across every canvas. As Copilot connects Microsoft 365 apps into a single, intelligent experience, the icons embody that transformation with cleaner shapes, vibrant colors, and a connected design system nodding to Copilot’s influence. The icons are rolling out in the coming weeks across web, desktop, and mobile for both individuals and organizations.
Mobile app icons will no longer include letterplates. We understand this update may feel unexpected, but it reflects our move toward a symbol-led design that is inclusive, globally consistent, and visually cohesive. App names will continue to appear below each icon for clear navigation. There is no change to letterplates on web or desktop icons, but users will notice the removal of letterplates from launch screens.
There are no changes to app functionality or user settings.
When this will happen
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins in early October 2025 and will roll out in phases across web, desktop, and mobile platforms. Completion is expected by late October 2025.
How this affects your organization
Who is affected: All users of Microsoft 365 apps across web, desktop, and mobile platforms.
What will happen:
- Users will begin to see updated Microsoft 365 app icons:
- This is a visual-only change; there is no impact to app functionality, user settings, or workflows.
- During the rollout, users may see old and new icons side-by-side across apps and devices.
- No changes to URLs, branding names, or service behavior.
What you can do to prepare
No admin action is required.
However, we recommend the following:
- Review and update internal help content, training materials, and screenshots that reference existing app icons.
- Communicate this change to helpdesk staff to reduce potential confusion.
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.
What changed
Between archive captures, newest first- Tags
Feature update, User impact, Admin impact→ Updated message, Feature update, User impact, Admin impact
Updated October 24, 2025: We have updated the content below. Thank you for your patience Introduction: We’re introducing refreshed Microsoft 365 app icons for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, … coming weeks across web, desktop, and mobile for both individuals and organizations. Mobile app icons will no longer include letterplates. We understand this update may feel unexpected, but it reflects our move toward a symbol-led design that is inclusive, globally consistent, and visually cohesive. App names will continue to appear below each icon for clear navigation. There is no change to letterplates on web or desktop icons, but users will notice the removal of letterplates from launch screens. There are no changes to app functionality or user settings. When this …
- Tags
- · first version seen
Related public evidence
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What this page cannot tell you- Whether your tenant is affected: this is Microsoft's notice, not a check of your settings.