Microsoft is working on a major Outlook redesign inspired by macOS Big Sur. Its new app, which is redesigned from the group up and promises to deliver a reimagined email experience, will land in October.
Microsoft’s newest version of the Outlook app, which has been in development since last fall, also includes speed improvements, greater customization options, Microsoft’s own Fluent icons, and new tools.
The Ribbon interface that will be familiar to long-time Outlook and Office users is disappearing, though there will be a toggle that lets users switch between the new and old Outlook designs.
You probably won’t want to go back — especially if you like the look of Big Sur. Outlook looks set to become the perfect fit for Apple’s new-look operating system.
New Outlook hits macOS next month
Almost every aspect of the new Outlook is improved. Reading and writing emails is better thanks to single-line views, there’s an all-new compose interface, and it will be possible to ignore emails if you wish.
Navigation panels are collapsable for an even cleaner look, while a new People section makes accessing your contacts easier. Outlook will also highlight frequent, recent, and favorite contacts for faster access.
Photo: Microsoft
Outlook’s built-in Calendar will give you new ways to group calendars together, while calendar entries can include a Teams meeting toggle. Support for Gmail accounts will also be available from day one.
Microsoft hasn’t quite gotten around to finalizing support for iCloud and IMAP mail accounts, so we’ll have to wait for that. But this is something that the company plans to add later on.
Enhanced performance and reliability
“With the new Outlook for Mac, we have reimagined the experience that you know and love, bringing even more power and simplicity to the product,” Microsoft explained in a press release on Tuesday.
“Re-designed from ground up and available via a toggle – the new Outlook for Mac connects to accounts using Microsoft sync technology for enhanced performance and reliability, with functionality that showcases the best of Outlook.”
We don’t have a more specific date for Outlook’s big update, but Microsoft is currently promising a mid-October release. It could be timed to coincide with the public rollout of macOS Big Sur itself.
