Summary
- Microsoft 365 Copilot will add an Ask Copilot option to text selections inside PDFs opened in OneDrive iOS.
- Users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license can explain, summarize, translate, or ask custom questions about selected PDF text without leaving the app.
- The feature is enabled by default where Copilot is already enabled.
- No admin configuration is required, but IT should review Copilot license assignments and update help desk and user guidance.
- The change applies to mobile OneDrive PDF review experiences and is part of the existing Copilot data-handling and enterprise data protection model.
Microsoft 365 Copilot on OneDrive iOS lets users select text in PDFs to explain, summarize, translate, or ask custom questions via the Ask Copilot context menu. Rolling out late September to October 2026, it requires a Copilot license and is enabled by default where Copilot is available.
Microsoft 365 Message Center ID: MC1470417
Primary Service: OneDrive
Admin Impact: Low
User Impact: Medium
Release Start: 30 Sept 2026
Release End: 31 Oct 2026
Last Modified: September 11, 2026
Category: Stay informed
Tags: New feature
Status: Launched
Products & Platforms: SharePoint Online, Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365)
History
9/10/2026 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
Microsoft 365 Copilot makes PDF reviews faster and easier on mobile. Select text in any PDF in OneDrive iOS and tap Ask Copilot to explain, summarize, translate, or ask a custom question about the selection — the same in-context Copilot experience already generally available on desktop, now on OneDrive iOS.
When this will happen
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out late September 2026 and expect to complete by late October 2026.
Impact on your organization
When this rolls out, users viewing a PDF in OneDrive iOS can select text and see Ask Copilot in the context menu. Tapping it opens Copilot with the selected text as context, so they can:
- Explain dense or technical passages in plain language
- Summarize long sections
- Translate into another language
- Custom prompt: add their own prompt for tailored results — no need to switch apps
The feature is on by default where Copilot is enabled.
Steps to use Ask Copilot in OneDrive iOS:
- Open the OneDrive app on iOS and sign in with your work account.
- Open the PDF you want to review.
- Select any text in the PDF. The context menu will display Ask Copilot.
- Tap Ask Copilot for a plain-language explanation or type your own prompt for tailored results.
Licensing requirements
A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use this feature.
Action required / Recommendations
No admin action is required. You may want to:
- Review your Copilot license assignments for mobile users.
- Update user-facing training/help content to mention Ask Copilot in PDFs on OneDrive iOS.
- Notify your help desk of the new entry point.
Note: Some users may see this feature before others in your organization.
Compliance considerations
This feature follows your existing Copilot data-handling and enterprise data protection commitments. Review as appropriate for your organization.