Cortana apps on iOS and Android now warn about their upcoming demise

Cortana Ios End (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

The Cortana apps on iOS and Android will be discontinued on March 31, 2021.
The apps now show a warning about their upcoming discontinuation.
Microsoft has shifted Cortana towards productivity.

The Cortana app on mobile devices isn't long for this world. We already knew that the Cortana apps on iOS and Android will be discontinued on March 31, 2021, but now the apps are reminding people of it. Twitter user Rohit Yadav shared a screenshot of the Cortana app on Android warning about its upcoming discontinuation. We also see the warning on an iPhone.

Hi @Daniel_Rubino, @zacbowden, @windowscentral, the Cortana mobile app on Android now shows a banner stating the app will stop working by this month end. 😔 pic.twitter.com/vSrNGqNYwZHi @Daniel_Rubino, @zacbowden, @windowscentral, the Cortana mobile app on Android now shows a banner stating the app will stop working by this month end. 😔 pic.twitter.com/vSrNGqNYwZ— Rohit Yadav (@rty2423) March 23, 2021 March 23, 2021

Microsoft details the upcoming discontinuation in a support document:

As we announced in July, we will soon be ending support for the Cortana app on Android and iOS, as Cortana continues its evolution as a productivity assistant.As of March 31, 2021, the Cortana content you created–such as reminders and lists–will no longer function in the Cortana mobile app, but can still be accessed through Cortana in Windows. Also, Cortana reminders, lists, and tasks are automatically synced to the Microsoft To Do app, which you can download to your phone for free.After March 31, 2021, the Cortana mobile app on your phone will no longer be supported. 

Microsoft has shifted Cortana towards productivity, such as helping people get things done through Microsoft 365. When Microsoft announced the upcoming end of the Cortana apps on iOS and Android, the company also announced the end of support for Cortana on Harman Kardon Invoke speakers.

Our senior editor Zac Bowden explained why Microsoft needs to embrace Alexa and Google Assistant now that Cortana is "dead" on traditional devices.

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 930, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.