Microsoft Merges Copilot Apps, Cuts Unsuccessful AI Features
Microsoft is combining its Copilot app for consumers with the Microsoft 365 Copilot aimed at businesses. They realized there was a significant overlap between personal and work-related AI tools and admitted their previous strategy was too complex to compete with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. This move mirrors trends in the industry, like Claude's Cowork integration and OpenAI's ChatGPT Operator. By August 18, 2026, several features like Group Chats and AI-generated podcasts will be phased out for regular users, though professional users will get Researcher instead. Mico, a character similar to Clippy, will also be removed. Microsoft aims for a more streamlined experience, acknowledging that Copilot has drifted from its initial goals.
Key facts
- Microsoft is merging its consumer Copilot app and Microsoft 365 Copilot app.
- The consolidation is due to overlapping personal and professional AI uses and a complex prior strategy.
- Microsoft aims to compete with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.
- Consumers will lose Group Chats, AI-generated podcasts, Copilot Labs, and Deep Research by August 18, 2026.
- Paying professional users will get Researcher as a replacement for Deep Research.
- Microsoft is retiring Mico, an animated character for Copilot.
- Files from the standalone Copilot app will be migrated to OneDrive.
- Microsoft EVP Jacob Andreou said Copilot needed to earn 'the right to exist' in customers' lives.
Entities
Institutions
- Microsoft
- GeekWire
- The Information
- OpenAI
- Claude
- ChatGPT
- Gemini