Microsoft 365 Copilot for Android and iOS has recently made a change that may shock many users. The app that used to be a simple and smooth document viewer has now completely shifted its focus to AI. Now whenever you try to open any document, it does not open directly first Copilot chat starts, and the file is automatically uploaded to OneDrive. Honestly, not everyone is going to like this change.
From Office Hub to an AI-First App
This app originally came with the name “Office Hub.” At that time, it was just a simple mobile document viewer. Then Microsoft changed its name to “Microsoft 365” and added editing features. In early 2025, it was officially turned into Microsoft 365 Coilor,making it clear that the focus would now remain on Copilot.
Microsoft openly stated that Copilot would be the main center of the app. Opening documents is still possible, but priority is clearly given to AI features such as summaries, AI-generated documents, and images.
In October 2025, the traditional document viewer was already pushed slightly to the side, and the Copilot chat screen was brought to the front. Now after the latest update, it feels like that process is completely finished.
Documents No Longer Open “Normally”
Earlier, if you had set Microsoft 365 Copilot as your default viewer, any .docx, .xlsx, or .ppt file opened from WhatsApp or any other app would directly open in the viewer. You could simply read or edit it without any extra steps.
Now the scenario has changed.
When you open any local file, the app first uploads that file to OneDrive. After that, Copilot analyzes the document and shows a summary inside the chat interface. Instead of simply opening the document, Copilot chat now starts first. A clear message even appears on the screen saying: “opening documents from your device now starts with Copilot chat.”
For users who only want to read their documents, this may feel unnecessary.
How the New Process Works
Now the process works like this:
- The file is automatically uploaded to OneDrive.
- Copilot searches and tries to understand the file.
- If everything goes well, a summary is generated in the chat.
- The traditional document viewer is available inside Copilot’s references section.
If the system works smoothly, you can eventually open the document. But the viewer is no longer primary it has become secondary.
And if Copilot does not process the file properly, the problem becomes even bigger.
When Copilot Fails
In some situations, Copilot fails to properly understand the document. Sometimes it references an old and completely irrelevant document from OneDrive. Sometimes the file upload itself fails.
In such cases:
- You do not get a proper summary
- The document does not open directly
- And sometimes the file does not even appear in the Search section
Just imagine, an app that was built to open documents cannot properly open a basic document naturally, users will feel frustrated.
What If the File Is Already in OneDrive?
There is still a small workaround available.
If your files are already synced to OneDrive, you can go to the “Search” page inside Microsoft 365 Copilot and open them normally.
But if the file is only saved on your phone, it will first upload, then Copilot will process it, and only after that will you get access.
It is clear that Microsoft is strongly pushing cloud usage. Direct access to local files is no longer as simple as before.
The Privacy and Control Angle
The automatic upload feature does not make everyone feel comfortable. Not every user wants their file to go to the cloud automatically especially just to read it.
Not everyone needs an AI summary.
Not everyone wants Copilot analysis.
Many people simply want to open their file and read it.
Now Copilot chat has become the default entry point, which slightly reduces user control.
Standalone Apps Might Be a Better Option
If your main purpose is simply to view or edit documents, standalone apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint may be a better option. These apps still open files directly without forcing Copilot chat in between.
For users who prefer a simple and direct experience, this seems like a more practical solution.
The App’s Identity Has Changed
The biggest change is that Microsoft 365 Copilot no longer feels like a document viewer with AI features. Now it feels like an AI-first app that supports documents And that difference is not small.
For people who have been using the app since the Office Hub days, this transition may feel disappointing. Earlier, simplicity was its strength. Now Copilot is at the center stage.
Some users will appreciate AI summaries and quick insights. Some users will see it as unnecessary complication.
Final Thoughts
The latest Microsoft 365 Copilot update on Android and iOS feels like a major turning point. Local documents no longer open directly. First they upload, then Copilot processes them, and only then you get access to the viewer.
If everything works perfectly, you get an AI summary. But if upload or processing fails, the experience can become frustrating.
It is clear that Microsoft 365 Copilot is no longer the simple document app it once was. It is now an AI-driven platform where documents have become secondary. Now the choice is in the hands of users adopt the AI-first workflow, or shift to traditional standalone apps.
