Microsoft Office for iPad to launch in the first half of the year

Overview

According to a report by Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet, Microsoft Office might finally launch for iPad users, earlier than anticipated. This news comes as a surprise as Apple’s mandatory commission for App Store purchases and Office Windows exclusivity was considered to be a major roadblock for Microsoft’s launch plan.

Why is it important?

Microsoft Office has always been a popular productivity suite for businesses, even those using Apple products. However, the unavailability of Office for iOS has not only affected Microsoft’s sales but has also prevented Apple from using it as a selling point for its enterprise market.

According to Foley’s report, Office for iPad might launch even before Microsoft’s Gemini project, the touch version of the software for Windows 8. This could mean that Microsoft has finally changed its approach, and Office for iPad could mark a new beginning as CEO Satya Nadella continues to steer the company towards new horizons.

What is the expected timeline?

The report suggests that the launch of Office for iPad could be sooner than anyone expects, likely in the first half of this year. However, there is a possibility that the software might be made available only to Office 365 subscribers, Microsoft’s subscription-based Office program that offers a range of attractive benefits to regular users.

Final thoughts

Although Microsoft has not officially commented on the report’s validity, Mary Jo Foley’s past track record as a reliable source gives weight to the claim, and it is expected that Office for iPad might finally hit the iOS App Store in the next few months.

FAQs

1. What is Office 365?

Office 365 is Microsoft’s subscription-based Office program that offers a range of attractive benefits to its regular users, including access to the latest set of Office applications, 1 TB of OneDrive storage, Skype minutes for home use, and ongoing technical support.

2. Is Office for iPad available for free?

No, Microsoft might make Office for iPad available only to its Office 365 subscribers who pay a $99/year fee.