Microsoft has announced that it’s ending support for older Macs and iPhones in Microsoft 365, Office 2019, and Office 2021.
From next month, those using older versions of macOS and iOS will still be able to open Office documents to view them but won’t be able to edit or create files …
As of July 13, the oldest Apple operating system supported will be macOS 12 Monterey and iOS 17.
Starting July 13, 2026, some users may notice that Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or OneNote) can open and print files, but cannot edit, save, or create new files – called “reduced functionality mode”. This happens when support for Microsoft Office apps is no longer continued for older operating systems or devices.
This issue affects both Microsoft 365 subscribers on macOS, iPhone, and iPad, and those with non-subscription software, including Office 2021 or Office 2019 on macOS.
On the iOS side, this ends support for the iPhone 8, iPhone X and older models. For Macs, the short version is that you’ll be okay with any machine from 2015 onwards.
Older devices will still be able to open documents but won’t be able to edit or save them.
Microsoft says the workaround for those who can’t update to a compatible OS is to either subscribe to Microsoft 365 or use the free version on the web at microsoft365.com. The company says the easiest way to do this is to copy any local files to OneDrive and then access them online from there.
Photo by Ed Hardie on Unsplash
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:
Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!
Leave a Reply