Outlook's auto-shared calendars arrive after a year-long delay

Microsoft Outlook is finally rolling out a long-awaited feature in mid-March. Automatically shared calendars will simplify how users access multiple schedules. The update follows a delay of over a year from its original release plan.

The feature was first expected in early February 2023 but faced postponement. Now, it will arrive in mid-March 2024, with full availability by April. Users will no longer need to manually open each calendar when switching between views.

In business settings, the 'auto-mapping' function will streamline workflows. Calendars from mailboxes with full access permissions will appear automatically in a user's Outlook client. This change applies to both classic and new versions of Outlook for Windows.

Accessing shared calendars will become easier. Users can click the calendar icon, then select 'Automatically shared calendars' under 'My calendars'. Technical details for macOS compatibility remain unclear, as Microsoft has not yet provided specifics.

The update removes the need for manual calendar access during transitions between Outlook views. Business users, in particular, will benefit from smoother scheduling. Microsoft has not confirmed whether the feature will extend to macOS at this stage.