The ability is coming to both Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel on iPadOS. You may remember Microsoft began testing this support back last month. It is worth noting since then PowerPoint support for the trackpad has also been added. Microsoft is sending out the update is phases, so some iPad users will see the changes before others. Trackpad support for Office apps on iPadOS is a major step. We previously reported on Microsoft also wants Word and Excel to have mouse and trackpad support on iPadOS. Microsoft promised a fall release at the time and has stuck to that timeline. It is worth noting Apple only brought its own cursor and trackpad support to iPadOS in March. While Microsoft may not want the iPad to become closer to a laptop, there’s no doubt Word and Excel will become more usable with a trackpad functionality. In other words, this move will benefit both the iPad and Microsoft’s apps.
Improving the Platform
Microsoft clearly has long term plans to make Office apps more functional on iPad. In fact, the company has been one of Apple’s biggest supports with iPadOS. Apple reflected this at launch of the platform, pointing to the significance of Word and Excel working with a trackpad. Microsoft has also given Office apps Split Screen support, and OneDrive Multiple Windows support on the platform.
