RIP, Microsoft Lens, a simple little app that’s getting replaced by AI

In a move that has left many users nostalgic, Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of its popular document scanning app, Microsoft Lens. This user-friendly tool, which allowed individuals to convert paper documents, business cards, and receipts into easily manageable digital formats, will no longer be available as the tech giant shifts its focus towards its Copilot AI chat application. The phased retirement of Microsoft Lens is set to begin on September 15, 2025, when it will be removed from both iOS and Android platforms. Subsequently, the app will be taken down from the Apple App Store and Google Play by November 15, 2025. Users will still have access to the scanning functions until December 15, 2025, after which new scans will be disabled, although existing scans will remain accessible as long as the app is retained on their devices. Originally launched in 2015 as Office Lens, the application was initially tailored for Windows Phone users. Unlike many contemporary apps, it offered straightforward functionality without the burden of premium fees or subscription models, making it a refreshing alternative in a crowded marketplace. Users could easily transform handwritten notes, documents, and even whiteboard sketches into various file formats, including PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and images, all while benefiting from a range of built-in filters to enhance their scans. The news of Lens's discontinuation was first reported by Bleeping Computer, which noted that users are now being encouraged to transition to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. However, Copilot does not replicate the comprehensive functionality of Lens. For instance, it lacks the capability to save scans directly to OneNote, Word, or PowerPoint and does not offer the same accessibility features that Lens provided, such as read-aloud options and Immersive Reader integration. Despite its age, Microsoft Lens has continued to be a popular choice among users, accumulating over 322,000 downloads in just the last month, according to data from app intelligence provider Appfigures. Since its launch, it has been downloaded a staggering 92.3 million times. As Microsoft prepares to sunset this beloved tool, many users are left wondering where to turn for a comparable scanning experience.