Microsoft is working on a smaller and faster Outlook Lite app for Android. The software giant detailed the app in its Microsoft 365 roadmapwhere it describes Outlook Lite as “an Android app that delivers the core benefits of Outlook in a smaller app size with fast performance for low-end devices on any network.”
The roadmap shows that the Outlook Lite app will be available worldwide sometime this month. ZDNet reports that an Outlook Lite app already exists in a few countries, so Microsoft seems to be preparing it for a wider release. Microsoft’s own documentation in Outlook Lite suggests that the app is limited to Outlook, Hotmail, Live, and MSN accounts only and does not support work or school accounts.
Meta was one of the first major tech companies to create a slimmed-down version of its original Facebook Android app. Facebook Lite appeared in 2015 as just a 1MB app, aimed directly at emerging markets. Google followed suit with its line of “Go” lightweight Android apps, including Gmail Go in 2018.
Outlook mobile is one of the most popular email apps on Android, with over 500 million downloads on the Google Play Store. The edge recommends Outlook as the best iOS email app and a top pick on Android.
Microsoft is also testing a new Outlook for Windows app. The new app is being tested and is based on Outlook on the web. It will eventually replace the Outlook for Windows app in the coming years.
