Microsoft Office on the iPad and Android: Yes, It's Real and Coming

If you use Microsoft Office a lot, the lack of a mobile version for the iPad and Android is a pretty big deal. Up until now, there have been countless rumors of Office Mobile and even some sightings, but Microsoft has been keeping mum on the subject--and even denied earlier rumors. However, we're seeing more confirmations that Office Mobile does exist and will be coming to the iPad and Android early next year.

A Mac4Ever reader spotted this text on Microsoft's own French support site for Excel: "Excel pour  iPad". That's pretty compelling evidence.

The Verge also reported last month that "several sources close to Microsoft's plans" that Office Mobile will arrive in early 2013 (late February or early March for iOS, May for Android). It will debut as free apps to view Microsoft Office documents. However, for editing capabilities in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, you will likely need an Office 365 subscription. "Renting" Office just for mobile use, at $99.99 a year, doesn't seem like a great deal at all, although that would get you access to the desktop apps, including Publisher and Access. Maybe Microsoft will offer different pricing just for the mobile apps.

Still, Office on the iPad and on Android is something we've been waiting for for a very long time. No use denying it anymore, Microsoft; make it happen.

Screengrab by Mac4Ever