Microsoft provides Office apps for iPad with mouse and trackpad support

Microsoft releases updates for Word, Excel and PowerPoint on iPadOS. The updates add support for mice and trackpads to the Office software. Microsoft is also making changes to the interface of the iPad apps.

Users will receive the updates for the iPadOS apps in the coming weeks, Microsoft writes. The updates are released to users in phases. After the update, the Office apps will have full support for Apple’s Magic Keyboard with a built-in trackpad. The apps can also be used in combination with a separate mouse.

Software support turns the cursor into a tool depending on where it is pointed, just like in the PC versions of Office programs. Microsoft is also updating the interface. Word, Excel and PowerPoint get a new start screen and a new ribbon menu on the iPad. The graphical changes are in line with the Fluent UI tweaks the company is making to its Microsoft 365 software.