Microsoft Lens App to Be Retired as AI Takes Center Stage
Microsoft Lens App to Be Retired as AI Takes Center Stage
For years, Microsoft Lens has been the go-to solution for users seeking a simple, fuss-free way to scan documents, receipts, business cards, and even whiteboard notes straight from their smartphones. Launched in 2015, this app stood out for its straightforward approach: no hidden fees or subscription pushes, just reliable scanning and conversion of paper into digital files like PDF, Word, Excel, and more.
Key Dates for Microsoft Lens Users
- September 15, 2025: Microsoft Lens will no longer be supported on iOS and Android devices.
- November 15, 2025: The app will be removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
- December 15, 2025: Scanning functionality will be fully disabled. Existing scans will remain accessible on the device, but no new scans can be made.
Why Is Microsoft Discontinuing Lens?
Microsoft is redirecting users to its Copilot AI chat app for document scanning tasks. While Copilot offers some scanning capabilities, it does not currently offer all the features Lens users have come to rely on. For example:
- Copilot does not support direct saving of scans to OneNote, Word, or PowerPoint.
- Business card scanning and saving to OneNote are no longer available.
- Accessibility features like read-aloud and Immersive Reader integration are missing.
A Legacy of Simplicity and Utility
Unlike many modern apps, Microsoft Lens never pressured users into premium features or subscriptions. It allowed seamless saving to Microsoft apps, cloud storage, or the device camera roll, while offering useful image filters that enhanced scan quality. This simplicity attracted a loyal user base. In fact, data from Appfigures shows that Lens has been downloaded over 92 million times since 2017, with more than 322,000 downloads in the past month alone.
What Should Businesses and Users Do Next?
If your business or workflow relies on Microsoft Lens, it’s important to plan ahead. Consider exporting important documents, exploring alternatives, or testing Copilot to see if its AI-driven features meet your needs. However, keep in mind the loss of certain integrations and accessibility tools that made Lens unique.
The Broader Shift to AI in Productivity Apps
The retirement of Microsoft Lens highlights a broader industry trend: the replacement of specialized, single-task apps with more complex AI-driven platforms. While this brings new possibilities, it also means users may lose some of the straightforward functionality and reliability that made apps like Lens so valuable.
References
- TechCrunch: RIP Microsoft Lens, a simple little app that’s getting replaced by AI
- Microsoft Support: Retirement of Microsoft Lens
- Microsoft Lens on the App Store
- Microsoft Lens on Google Play
- Microsoft 365 Copilot
- Use Immersive Reader in Word
- BleepingComputer: Microsoft will kill the Microsoft Lens PDF Scanner app
