Microsoft Phases Out Lens App in 2026

Microsoft has begun the phased retirement of its popular document scanning app, Microsoft Lens, affecting users on both iOS and Android devices. The company announced that the app will cease receiving updates starting January 9, 2026, with removal from app stores on February 9 and the ability to create new scans ending on March 9.

Once a go-to tool for digitizing physical documents using smartphone cameras, Microsoft Lens allowed users to capture receipts, forms, whiteboards, business cards and notes, converting them into editable formats like PDFs, Word files or PowerPoint slides. Free and cross-platform, it integrated seamlessly with Microsoft's productivity suite, including OneNote and Excel, making it accessible for professionals and casual users alike. The app, originally launched as Office Lens in the mid-2010s, filled a gap for those without dedicated scanners and earned high praise for its simplicity and accuracy.

The retirement process, first signaled in August 2024 and delayed twice, reflects Microsoft's broader strategy to consolidate features into its core ecosystem. Officials stated that scanning capabilities are now embedded in OneDrive's mobile app and Microsoft...