Files in Outlook for iOS will open in Word, Excel or Powerpoint app on iPad
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 February 19, 2026: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
Introduction
We’re changing how Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file attachments open in Outlook for iOS. For iPad users only, these files will 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 this out in early to mid-February 2026 and expect to complete the rollout by late March 2026.
How this affects your organization
Who is affected
- Users on iPad devices running Outlook who have the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint apps installed.
What will happen
- iPad users will find that Word, Excel, and PowerPoint attachments open directly in the corresponding app.
- Users without the Office apps installed will continue to use the in-app previewer.
- No admin configuration is required.
What you can do to prepare
- No action is required.
- You may choose to notify iPad users or update internal help documentation.
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.
What changed
Between archive captures, newest first- Tags
Feature update, User impact→ Updated message, Feature update, User impact
Introduction We’re conducting an experiment that changesUpdated February 19, 2026: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience. Introduction We’re changing how Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file attachments open in Outlook for iOS. For iPad users only, these filesmaywill open directly in the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint apps when they are … will happen: General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCCH, DoD): We will begin rollingoutthisexperimentout in early to mid-February 2026 and expect todecide whether to proceed with or stopcomplete the rollout bythelate March 2026. How this affects your organization: Who is affected: Users … who have the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint apps installed. What will happen:SomeiPad users will find that Word, Excel, and PowerPoint attachments open directly … without the Office apps installed will continue to use the in-app previewer.This is an experiment and may not become permanent.No admin configuration is required. What you can do to prepare: No …- Tags
- 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
… changes how Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file attachments open in Outlook for
iOS and Android.iOS. For iPad users only, these files may open directly in the Word, …- Title
- · first version seen
Related public evidence
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Not confirmed here
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