Microsoft 365 Office Becomes Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft 365 Office Becomes Microsoft 365 Copilot: A New Era of Productivity Tools

In December, Microsoft announced its plans to rebrand its productivity suite from “Microsoft 365 Office” to “Microsoft 365 Copilot”, a move that initially raised eyebrows among users. Despite mixed reactions, the tech giant has now begun rolling out the rebrand, signaling a major shift in its approach to productivity tools.

Rebranding Office: What’s Changing?

According to reports from Windows Latest, Office apps will soon adopt a more Copilot-centric identity. This includes swapping the iconic blue hexagon logo for a new Copilot logo with a small “M365” tag in the bottom corner.

Microsoft Office has undergone various name changes over the years, but this rebrand emphasizes the company’s focus on AI. As part of this shift, Microsoft has also increased subscription prices for the first time in 13 years, citing the integration of Copilot AI tools into the base Microsoft 365 plan.

The rebrand suggests a transformation in how Microsoft envisions its productivity suite—moving from traditional Office apps to a platform where AI tools like Copilot take center stage. The question remains whether users will embrace this AI-first approach or if they’ll miss the simplicity of the older Office tools.

Microsoft’s AI Push Expands Beyond Office

Microsoft’s commitment to integrating AI into its ecosystem is no secret. The transition began in early 2024 when the company rebranded its mobile browser as “Microsoft Edge: AI Browser.” Since then, we’ve seen a wave of AI-focused innovations, including Copilot+ PCs, partnerships with leading AI companies, and even new keyboards with dedicated Copilot keys.

The next phase of Microsoft’s strategy appears to be expanding Copilot beyond its own ecosystem. At CES 2025, Microsoft revealed plans to bring Copilot to third-party platforms, starting with partnerships with LG and Samsung to integrate the AI assistant into their smart TVs. This move signals Microsoft’s ambition to position Copilot as a universal AI tool, far beyond its productivity suite.

A Bold Gamble for the Future

Microsoft’s aggressive push to integrate Copilot everywhere is a clear indication of its belief in the transformative power of AI. However, the success of this strategy hinges on user reception. While AI-enhanced tools can greatly improve productivity, there’s a risk of alienating users if basic functionality takes a backseat to AI features.

If successful, this rebrand could redefine productivity tools for the AI age. But if users find it too disruptive, Microsoft might find itself backtracking, much like it did with the ill-fated Cortana.

For now, all eyes are on Microsoft to see if its vision for an AI-powered future resonates with its vast user base. Whether this gamble pays off or not, one thing is certain: Copilot is here to stay—at least for the foreseeable future.