Table of Contents
Summary
- Word, Excel, and PowerPoint attachments on iPad will open directly in their respective apps if installed.
- Users without Office apps will continue using the in-app previewer.
- This change is part of an experiment and may not become permanent.
- No action is required from administrators or users to prepare for this change.
- The change is categorized as a feature update with user impact.
Admin Impact: Low
User Impact: Medium
Release Start: 01 Feb 2026
Release End: 31 Mar 2026
Services: M365 Apps
Category: Stay informed
Tags: Feature Update, User Adoption
History
2/4/2026 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
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.
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:
- Some 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.
- This is an experiment and may not become permanent.
- 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.