Microsoft releases September update for Mac Office – soon higher system requirements

Microsoft has made the September update for its in-house office software available for download. It is available for download for Microsoft 365 (Amazon advertising partner link*) and for Office 2021. According to the manufacturer, the KeyTips function has been ported from Windows to the Mac, and a security vulnerability in Excel has been fixed. Support for macOS Monterey 12 is expiring.

Microsoft says of the new feature: “KeyTips are keyboard shortcuts for items in the ribbon menu in Microsoft applications. They provide a quick way to use your keyboard to help you get things done – without clicking. You may be familiar with KeyTips from your Windows computer, and they work the same on your Mac.

When you press the Option key (⌥ Alt), the Ribbon displays keyboard shortcuts for activating tabs and commands. Find the command you want and press the characters that appear in the KeyTip above that command.

The September update (version 16.89), which also contains minor improvements and bug fixes for Outlook, can be installed using the integrated update function. Office requires at least macOS Monterey 12, although the system requirements will increase after the launch of macOS Sequoia 15 (macOS Ventura 13 and above). The basic version of Outlook has been available free of charge for over a year.

Mac Office: September update adds KeyTips.
Image: Microsoft.

Microsoft always provides the Office software with a regular update in the middle of the month (possibly supplemented by smaller, unscheduled updates with bug fixes). New features are reserved for the Microsoft 365 subscription version, while the Office 2021 purchase version only receives minor optimizations as well as bug and security fixes. Office 2021 will continue to receive maintenance updates until fall 2026.

Microsoft Office for iPhone and iPad (requires at least iOS/iPadOS 16) has been released in version 2.89 with bug fixes.

A new version of Office is due to be released soon. Microsoft says it wants to continue to serve users who prefer permanent licenses as a one-time purchase. Office versions will receive updates for five years. Office 2024, which is in beta testing, will therefore remain available until fall 2029.

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