Services
Summary
Starting early to mid-February 2026, Outlook for iOS on iPads will open Word, Excel, and PowerPoint attachments directly in their respective apps if installed, replacing the in-app previewer. Users without these apps will still use the previewer. No admin action is needed.
Details
Updated 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.