Microsoft has decided against charging an additional $20 per month for Microsoft 365 Personal and Home subscribers to access AI-powered Office features. Instead, the tech giant quietly announced that Copilot Pro features will be integrated into Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions—but only in specific regions, including Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.
Copilot Integration for Enhanced Productivity
In a press release, Microsoft explained this change, highlighting the positive response from users. “It’s been nine months since we introduced Copilot to consumers in our Microsoft 365 apps through the Copilot Pro AI assistant,” the company stated. “We’ve spent that time integrating new features, improving performance, and continuing to listen closely to customer feedback. Based on that feedback, we’re making Copilot part of our Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions.”
In addition to Copilot, Microsoft is expanding the Designer app to be part of the Microsoft 365 Personal and Family offerings within the selected regions. Subscribers will also receive monthly AI credits, enabling them to use Copilot across a range of applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Designer. Credits will further apply to Windows apps like Paint, Photos, and Notepad. However, it’s noted that only the Family subscription owner will have access to these AI features and will not be able to share Copilot access with other family members.
Subscription Cost Adjustments
With the addition of Copilot Pro, Microsoft is also adjusting subscription prices for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans. “To reflect the value we’ve delivered over the last decade and to ensure we can innovate for years to come, we’re increasing the price of Microsoft 365 on Personal and Family plans. The price increase will apply to existing subscribers at their next subscription renewal,” Microsoft said.
The price change varies by region, adds NIX Solutions. In Australia, for example, the cost of a Microsoft 365 Family subscription rose by AU$4 per month, while the Personal plan increased by AU$5 per month. However, this increase remains lower than the AU$33 per month that Microsoft initially considered for Copilot Pro access in Australia. It is currently unclear how subscription prices will adjust in other regions, but we’ll keep you updated as new information becomes available.