https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/08/rip-microsoft-lens-a-simple-little-app-thats-getting-replaced-by-ai/ [tc-lockup] TechCrunch Desktop Logo [tc-lo] TechCrunch Mobile Logo * Latest * Startups * Venture * Apple * Security * AI * Apps * Events * Podcasts * Newsletters Search [ ]Submit * Site Search Toggle Mega Menu Toggle Topics Latest AI Amazon Apps Biotech & Health Climate Cloud Computing Commerce Crypto Enterprise EVs Fintech Fundraising Gadgets Gaming Google Government & Policy Hardware Instagram Layoffs Media & Entertainment Meta Microsoft Privacy Robotics Security Social Space Startups TikTok Transportation Venture More from TechCrunch Staff Events Startup Battlefield StrictlyVC Newsletters Podcasts Videos Partner Content TechCrunch Brand Studio Crunchboard Contact Us [scan-receipt-with-iphone-GettyImages-1527386459]Image Credits: krisanapong detraphiphat (opens in a new window) / Getty Images Apps RIP, Microsoft Lens, a simple little app that's getting replaced by AI Sarah Perez 12:41 PM PDT * August 8, 2025 Sometimes it's nice to have a simple app that does one thing well without a lot of fuss. Microsoft Lens was that type of app: a mobile document scanner that turned paper documents, business cards, receipts, and anything else into easily readable digital files. Now that app is being discontinued, Microsoft says, as it directs its users to its Copilot AI chat app instead. According to a new support document, Lens will be retired from iOS and Android devices starting on September 15, 2025, then removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play on November 15, 2025. Existing users will be able to continue to use the app's scanning capabilities through December 15, 2025. After that date, no new scans will be possible, but access to prior scans will remain in the app as long as it stays on the user's device. First launched in 2015, Microsoft Lens (then known as Office Lens) evolved from an application originally designed for Windows Phone devices. While its core functionality was similar to other mobile scanning applications, it didn't try to upcharge users for certain functionality or push them into a subscription -- a rarity in today's App Store. [microsoft-lens]Image Credits:Microsoft Instead, it performed its task of turning any note -- handwritten or otherwise -- document, receipt, business card, or even whiteboard scribbles into the file format of your choice, like PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, or images. It also offered a variety of built-in filters to enhance the resulting image, lighten the document, turn it into a sharper black-and-white copy, and more. You could then save the file to one of Microsoft's apps, other online services, or your camera roll. It was simple, and it worked well. The app's impending shutdown was first spotted by the site Bleeping Computer, which points out that users are being directed to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, which lacks all the functionality found in Lens. While Copilot can handle scanning, it doesn't support saving those scans directly to OneNote, Word, or PowerPoint, nor does it save business card scans to OneNote. It also lacks Lens' accessibility features like read-out-loud and Immersive Reader integration, the site notes. Techcrunch event Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil -- just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech -- grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise. Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital -- just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech -- grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise. San Francisco | October 27-29, 2025 REGISTER NOW Despite its age, Lens remains fairly popular, having pulled in over 322,000 downloads on the App Store and Google Play over the past 30 days, according to data from app intelligence provider Appfigures. Since January 2017, it has been downloaded 92.3 million times, the firm's data shows. Microsoft has not yet responded to a request for comment on its decision to shut down Lens. Topics AI, Apps, Copilot, Microsoft, microsoft lens, mobile apps, scanning Sarah Perez Sarah Perez Consumer News Editor Sarah has worked as a reporter for TechCrunch since August 2011. She joined the company after having previously spent over three years at ReadWriteWeb. Prior to her work as a reporter, Sarah worked in I.T. across a number of industries, including banking, retail and software. You can contact or verify outreach from Sarah by emailing sarahp@techcrunch.com or via encrypted message at sarahperez.01 on Signal. View Bio Event Logo October 27-29, 2025 San Francisco Put your brand in front of 10,000+ tech and VC leaders across all three days of Disrupt 2025. Amplify your reach, spark real connections, and lead the innovation charge. Secure your exhibit space before your competitor does. 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