Microsoft ending classic apps
Microsoft has officially revealed that its Mail, Calendar, and People apps will be retired, with support ending on December 31, 2024. Users of these apps will soon encounter pop-up notifications encouraging them to transition to the new Outlook app, which is now the company’s main focus.
In recent weeks, Microsoft has increased its efforts to push users toward the new Outlook, particularly among business-oriented Microsoft 365 subscribers. Reports indicate that even though the new app lacks several features of its predecessor, users are urged to switch sooner rather than later.
Initially, users can migrate at their own pace, but eventually, the choice will no longer be theirs. For Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium users, the transition begins in January 2025, while Enterprise users will have a slightly longer grace period. Microsoft plans to fully transition all users to the new Outlook by April 2026. However, classic Outlook installations obtained through perpetual or subscription licenses will still receive support until at least 2029, providing a temporary postponement for those hesitant to upgrade.
While Microsoft has promised to integrate the missing features from classic Outlook into the new app, skepticism remains high. Many users may would rather stick with the tried-and-true version for as long as possible, and it’s easy to see why.