Rumour has it Microsoft is working on bringing Office Mobile to iOS early next year, followed soon after by a suite of native apps for Android, extending the reach of its popular productivity software beyond Windows Phone devices.
According to The Verge, citing “sources close to Microsoft’s plans”, Office Mobile will be made available for free to Android and iOS users who will need to sign in with a Microsoft account to use them.
The apps are said to allow users to view documents made in Word, PowerPoint and Excel, but editing capabilities will require an Office 365 subscription. The Verge’s sources say this will be made available as an in-app purchase for iOS users.
The editing functionality the apps are said to offer will be basic and in no way be enough to substitute the full desktop Office suite.
The apps are rumoured for release for iOS first, in late February or early March next year, and for Android in May.
