Microsoft recently announced the upcoming retirement of its Mail, Calendar, and People apps, with support ending on December 31, 2024. Users of these apps will begin receiving notifications urging them to transition to the new Outlook app, which has become Microsoft’s primary focus. The push for change doesn’t stop there, as Microsoft 365 business users are also being nudged toward the new Outlook, even though it still lacks some key features from the classic version.
The transition to the new Outlook will roll out in phases. Initially, users will have the option to switch at their convenience, but a deadline will eventually force the change. Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium users will begin this process in January 2025, while Enterprise users may have additional time. Microsoft aims to complete the full transition by April 2026, although classic Outlook installations through perpetual and subscription licensing will remain supported until at least 2029, offering a lifeline to those reluctant to adopt the new app.
Whether the new Outlook will fully replicate the features and functionality of the classic app remains uncertain. While Microsoft has pledged to address the gaps, users may have little faith in those promises being fulfilled. For now, many will likely hold onto classic Outlook for as long as possible, particularly as its “death date” is still several years away. This extended support window may be a relief for businesses and individuals who rely on the more robust capabilities of the legacy version.