Overview
- Microsoft says that starting July 13, 2026 Office apps on Macs and on iPhones or iPads that cannot install updated builds will enter “reduced functionality mode,” which lets users open and print files but prevents creating, editing, or saving documents.
- The company attributes the change to an expiring digital certificate used to validate Office licenses and has issued a support document and customer emails explaining the issue.
- Microsoft renewed the suite certificate but the fix requires a software update (build 16.83 on macOS and equivalent mobile builds) that Office 2019 will not receive because it reached end of support in October 2023.
- Affected apps include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote and Microsoft says Macs must run macOS 12 or later and iPhones/iPads must run iOS/iPadOS 17 or later to get the updated Office build that restores full functionality.
- Microsoft’s advice is to move files to Microsoft 365 web apps, subscribe to Microsoft 365, buy a newer one‑time Office product, upgrade device OS or switch to alternate suites; critics say the company could have delivered a silent certificate fix and view the decision as forcing upgrades, and Office 2021 will reach end of support on October 13, 2026 which could create similar issues later.