Microsoft will merge its consumer Copilot app into Microsoft 365 Copilot on Aug. 18, 2026.
Why it matters: The change splits consumer and business Copilot use more sharply and removes several consumer-facing AI tools. It also affects what users can keep in chat history or move to OneDrive after the transition.
- Microsoft is folding the consumer Copilot app into Microsoft 365 Copilot, according to Microsoft support pages and TechCrunch.
- On Aug. 18, 2026, consumers will lose Group Chats, AI-generated podcasts, Copilot Labs experiments and Deep Research.
- Microsoft says previously created Deep Research reports will remain available in chat history after retirement.
- TechCrunch reported Microsoft is also removing Mico, its animated Copilot character.
Microsoft is consolidating its consumer Copilot products and cutting back several AI features, according to TechCrunch and Microsoft support pages.
The company says it is merging the consumer Copilot app into the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, which Microsoft describes as its business-focused product for chat, files, agents and AI-generated content on web, desktop and mobile. Microsoft 365 Copilot app overview
For consumers, Microsoft says Group Chats, AI-generated podcasts, Copilot Labs experiments and Deep Research will be retired on Aug. 18, 2026. Deep Research reports already created will stay in chat history, while podcasts created in Copilot will no longer be available after retirement. Deep Research in Microsoft Copilot Podcasts in Microsoft Copilot
The consumer app transition is separate from Microsoft 365 Copilot changes for business users. Microsoft says the Microsoft 365 Copilot mobile app is moving to an AI-first experience, with some file-browsing and editing tasks shifting to the Office and OneDrive apps. Files generated by the stand-alone Copilot app will be migrated to OneDrive during the transition. Changes to Microsoft 365 Copilot mobile app
Microsoft also says the Microsoft 365 app is being rebranded as Microsoft 365 Copilot and has added agent capabilities. TechCrunch separately reported that Microsoft is removing Mico, its animated Copilot character. Microsoft 365 app transition TechCrunch
By the numbers
- Aug. 18, 2026 - date Microsoft says consumer Copilot feature retirements take effect.
- 4 - consumer features Microsoft says it is retiring: Group Chats, AI-generated podcasts, Copilot Labs experiments and Deep Research.
Yes, but: The business-focused Microsoft 365 Copilot app is not disappearing; Microsoft is repositioning it as the main home for file and agent workflows.
What's next: Aug. 18, 2026, when the consumer feature retirements take effect.