What you need to know
- Word, Excel, and PowerPoint iOS have all be redesigned.
- Microsoft redesigned the apps to look better, perform faster, and to be simpler.
- The update is rolling out now through the App Store.
Three of Microsoft's most popular apps on iOS have a new design rolling out (via MSPU). Word, Excel, and PowerPoint have all been redesigned from scratch. Microsoft believes that the new designs are "simpler, faster and more beautiful than before." The update brings the apps to version 2.34, which also brings some other small changes.
The redesign of these popular Office apps is the next step in Microsoft's push to refresh its mobile efforts. Several Microsoft apps have new icons on iOS and Android, and Microsoft continues to add new features across its library of apps. A number of Microsoft apps also received a new dark mode over the last few months.
The changelogs of the apps don't break down any specific changes, other than the fact that Microsoft redesigned the apps from scratch. We'll have to play around with the apps for a bit before we can spot all of the major differences between the new and old versions of the apps.
In addition to bringing the updated designs, the update to version 2.34 brings an Updated Alt Text Pane, which makes content more accessible. Excel on iOS also received the following changes:
- Read and Reply on the Fly: Respond to comments and mentions right from email without opening the workbook.
- Look left, look right… XLOOKUP is here: Row by row, find anything you need in a table or range with XLOOKUP.
You can grab the updated apps through the App Store now.
Word
You can edit and view documents with this app. Your documents can sync across the cloud, allowing you to keep working on the go.
Excel
This app allows you to edit data, calculate formulas, create charts and graphs, and manage spreadsheets.
PowerPoint
This app allows you to view, edit, and present presentations. It syncs with OneDrive, so you can take your presentations with you anywhere.
Sean Endicott is the news writer for Windows Central. If it runs Windows, is made by Microsoft, or has anything to do with either, he's on it. Sean's been with Windows Central since 2017 and is also our resident app expert. If you have a news tip or an app to review, hit him up at sean.endicott@futurenet.com.
