Microsoft is pulling the plug on its Cortana app for iOS and Android

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

Microsoft is shutting down its Cortona mobile app for iOS and Android today and ending any third-party support for Cortana skills. It was inevitable, but hey, we all knew this day would eventually come.

For those of you who never had the privilege of giving the app a shot, Cortana was basically Microsoft’s take on Siri or Alexa. You could have it answer questions and perform small tasks. Microsoft launched the app back in November of 2018, but apparently, it never picked up a steady user base.

As of March 31, 2021, the Cortana content you created–such as reminders and lists–will no longer function in the Cortana mobile app, but can still be accessed through Cortana in Windows. Also, Cortana reminders, lists, and tasks are automatically synced to the Microsoft To Do app, which you can download to your phone for free. After March 31, 2021, the Cortana mobile app on your phone will no longer be supported. 

So what happens now? The company says it would be shifting toward a “transformational AI-powered assistant experience” in its Microsoft 365 apps. So if you’re someone who relied heavily on Cortana’s abilities, you can find the voice-powered assistant there.

If you don’t plan on taking advantage of Cortana in any of Microsoft’s 365 apps, Cortana reminders, lists, and tasks are automatically synced to the Microsoft To Do app, which is available as a free download.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• The shipping boat that was stuck in the Suez Canal made its way to Microsoft Flight Simulator
• Microsoft might be looking to buy Discord for a cool $10 billion
• Microsoft’s online services will now be called Xbox network instead of Xbox Live
• Microsoft is finally giving up on Xbox TV and will stop offering live television listings

Kevin Raposo

Kevin is KnowTechie's founder and executive editor. With over 15 years of blogging experience in the tech industry, Kevin has transformed what was once a passion project into a full-blown tech news publication. Shoot him an email at kevin@knowtechie.com.