Microsoft is merging its consumer Copilot app with Microsoft 365 Copilot while retiring several AI features that have not gained traction.
The changes combine the functionality of the consumer and business-focused apps, according to Microsoft support documentation initially reported by GeekWire. The company said the goal is to create a simpler, more cohesive Copilot experience.
Consumers will lose access to Group Chats, AI-generated podcasts, Copilot Labs experimental features and Deep Research by August 18, 2026. Paying professional users will receive Researcher as a replacement for Deep Research.
Microsoft is also removing Mico, the animated character used in Copilot. Some features may temporarily disappear during the transition, while files created in the standalone Copilot app will be moved to OneDrive.
The move reflects Microsoft’s effort to simplify Copilot as it competes with ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. It also follows similar consolidation across major AI apps, including the integration of Operator into ChatGPT and the merger of Cowork into Claude Chat.
Source: TechCrunch
