On September 16, Microsoft published a blog post that shone a spotlight on the myriad benefits of the new Outlook for Windows 10 and Windows 11. The company claimed that this updated version is better tailored to meet the demands of modern work processes, providing heightened stability, robust security, and seamless performance. It also comes packed with new features, such as the ability to pin important emails, prioritize the inbox using Copilot-powered technology, and streamline email drafting.

However, tech media outlets have raised some eyebrows, pointing out that the new Outlook is, in essence, a Progressive Web App (PWA) built on the Edge browser, with an interface that closely mirrors its web-based counterpart. While the new iteration does introduce a 'sweep' feature, it still falls short in certain areas compared to its predecessor. For instance, it only recently gained the capability to open attachments offline (last month), displays ads in the user interface for non-subscribers, and is missing some popular features that users have come to rely on.

The concept of a 'native experience' for the new Outlook has sparked debate within the industry. Some seasoned editors argue that its design fails to blend seamlessly with the pre-installed applications on Windows 11, raising questions about whether it truly delivers on Microsoft's promise of a native, integrated experience.