Microsoft has announced significant changes to the update channels for Microsoft 365 Apps, set to take effect in July 2025. These adjustments aim to streamline the update process and better align with organizational needs.
Key Changes:
- Deprecation of Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview): This channel will be discontinued. Organizations currently utilizing it should transition their devices to other available channels promptly.
- Reduction in Support Duration for Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel: The support period for this channel will decrease from 14 months to 8 months. Feature updates will be released every January and July, with each release supported for six months. This channel will primarily focus on unattended devices.
- Extension of Rollback Support for Monthly Enterprise Channel: The rollback support period will be extended from one month to two months, providing organizations with a longer window to address potential issues arising from updates.
Implications for Organizations:
- Transition Planning: Organizations using the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview) must plan to migrate to other channels before July 2025 to ensure continued support and updates.
- Update Management: With the reduced support duration for the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel, IT administrators will need to adjust their update management strategies to accommodate the more frequent update cycle.
- Enhanced Flexibility: The extended rollback support for the Monthly Enterprise Channel offers organizations greater flexibility in managing updates and addressing any issues that may arise.
Source: Neowin Microsoft 365 getting "major change" to how app updates will be released
