Microsoft is combining its consumer-facing Copilot app and the Microsoft 365 Copilot app into a single unified app, according to reporting from TechCrunch and The Verge, based on Microsoft's own support documentation and update announcement. The Verge reports both personal and work accounts will move to the new app, which keeps the 'Microsoft Copilot' name and adds an updated icon, ending the presence of two Copilot icons in the taskbar. A worldwide rollout for mobile and web apps begins in 'mid-August,' with Windows and Mac apps following in 'mid-September.' Microsoft describes the move as a technical milestone ahead of a planned 'super app' launching later this year. TechCrunch reports that several features will be retired by August 18, 2026: Group Chats, AI-generated podcasts, Copilot Labs experimental features, and Deep Research. Paying professional users will get Researcher as a replacement for Deep Research. Microsoft is also dropping its animated character, Mico. The Verge notes there are no changes to enterprise security, compliance, and government controls, and that personal and work accounts remain separate within the app. TechCrunch frames the consolidation as an admission that Microsoft's prior strategy was too complicated, citing a July memo from EVP Jacob Andreou stating the app needed to earn 'the right to exist.'
- Consumer Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot apps are merging into one unified 'Microsoft Copilot' app
- Group Chats, AI podcasts, Copilot Labs, and Deep Research retire by August 18, 2026
- Paying professional users get Researcher as a Deep Research replacement
- Rollout: mobile/web mid-August, Windows/Mac mid-September, ahead of a planned 'super app'
- No changes to enterprise security, compliance, or account separation
What it means for you
If you or your business use Microsoft's Copilot, the two separate apps are becoming one, and a handful of features are going away — most notably Deep Research, AI podcasts, and Group Chats after August 18. For most users this is a cleanup that means less confusion and fewer duplicate icons. If you relied on one of the retired features, you'll need a plan before the deadline.
Try this
If you use Deep Research or Group Chats in Copilot, check whether you'll lose them: paying business users get 'Researcher' as a Deep Research replacement, but Group Chat threads and content won't carry over after August 18, so export anything you want to keep this week.
Who should care
People and small businesses already using Copilot or Microsoft 365 Copilot, especially anyone relying on Deep Research, Group Chats, or Copilot-generated podcasts.
Skip this if
You don't use Microsoft Copilot, or you only use basic chat and image features — those stay, and the change is largely cosmetic for you.
Sources: TechCrunch AI, The Verge AI — read the original