[What and why]
We're introducing a new Outlook for iPad capability that allows users to compose email in a new window and minimize an in-progress draft so they can return to it later. This improvement helps users multitask more efficiently while working in Outlook on iPad.
[Rollout schedule]
- General Availability (Worldwide): Beginning in mid-September 2026 and expected to complete by mid-October 2026
[Impact on your organization]
Who is affected
- Users of Outlook for iPad
Platforms and services
- Outlook for iOS on iPad
What will happen
The experience depends on the user's iPadOS multitasking configuration.
Users with Windowed Apps enabled (Settings > Multitasking & Gestures)
- Users can compose emails in a separate window.
- The iPadOS system-provided minimize control can be used to minimize an email draft.
Users with Full Screen Apps enabled (Settings > Multitasking & Gestures)
- Users can minimize their in-progress draft to the background.
- Users can restore the same draft through the Hidden Windows banner or Show All Windows.
Minimizing a draft does not change how drafts are saved in the Drafts folder.
[Action required and recommendations]
No administrative action is required.
We recommend informing your help desk and support teams that the experience for compose windowing and returning to in-progress drafts varies based on users' iPadOS multitasking settings.
[Compliance considerations]
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.