Microsoft is retiring the Azure Information Protection (AIP) mobile viewer and RMS Sharing app by May 30, 2026, due to low usage and modern alternatives. Users can switch to Microsoft 365 Copilot, OneDrive, or Edge for viewing protected PDFs, with new Mac support coming soon. Transition smoothly with Microsoft’s guidance. Unique :
Microsoft Retires Azure Information Protection Mobile Viewer and RMS Sharing App
After more than a decade, Microsoft is officially retiring the Azure Information Protection (AIP) mobile viewer and RMS Sharing app. These apps helped users securely view protected non-Office files like PDFs and RPMSG outside Windows. However, with shifting user habits and modern Microsoft 365 apps, their usage has dropped significantly.
What’s New: The Retirement Announcement
Microsoft announced the retirement on May 30, 2025, starting a 12-month countdown to full retirement on May 30, 2026. After that date, the apps will be removed from app stores and no longer supported. Users with Azure Information Protection P1 plans will get notified via Message Center posts.
“Most PDF use cases have already shifted to native Office apps and modern Microsoft 365 experiences.”
This move is part of Microsoft’s ongoing modernization efforts to streamline how protected files are accessed across devices.
Major Updates: How to View Protected Files Moving Forward
Instead of a single app for all non-Office file types, Microsoft recommends using apps where you typically open these files:
- PDF and PPDF: Open protected PDFs with Microsoft 365 Copilot, OneDrive, or Edge on iOS and Android. Legacy PPDF files need conversion on Windows first.
- PFILE: These files (like PTXT, PPNG) won’t be viewable on iOS/Android anymore. Use Microsoft Purview Information Protection Viewer on Windows instead.
- RPMSG: Also no longer supported on mobile. Classic Outlook on Windows is the way to go.
Microsoft will soon release a new Microsoft Purview Information Protection File Labeler and Viewer for Mac. This will improve the experience by allowing viewing and label modifications on Mac devices before the apps retire.
What You Need to Know
If you currently use the AIP Mobile or RMS Sharing apps, you can keep using them until May 30, 2026. After that, they’ll be unsupported and removed from stores. Existing versions might still work but won’t get updates or security patches.
Importantly, the Microsoft Purview Information Protection Client for Windows is not going away. It will continue to be supported and improved, with plans to bring its capabilities to Mac as well.
“We are actively improving this client and plan to bring its viewing and labeling capabilities to Mac as well.”
Need Help?
If you have questions or need support, reach out to your Microsoft account team, Microsoft Support, or Microsoft MVPs who specialize in Information Protection.
In summary, this retirement signals a shift toward more integrated, modern tools for secure file viewing. Transition early to avoid disruptions and take advantage of Microsoft’s evolving ecosystem.
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