Microsoft has revealed a routine of important details about the unexampled interpretation of Office coming later this year . Among these is a peculiarly pleasing announcement for those who do n’t want to sign up up for a recurring subscription .
The commercial-grade preview of Office LTSC 2024 , Microsoft tell in ablog post , will be released in April ahead of a general freeing later in 2024 . power LTSC , or Long - Term Servicing Channel , represent the version of Office specify for commercial and government use in medical specialist and niche uses where devices may not be capable to enter the cyberspace , or where software updates are not desire : in fabrication or aesculapian testing science lab , for example . It is not sold in stores and is only usable for volume purchases .
However , the web log office also direct the more conventional consumer interlingual rendition of Office 2024 , which will also arrive later this year . Importantly for Apple user , Microsoft confirmed that this will feature a Mac version that will get alongside the Windows version , and will be usable as a “ equipment - based ‘ eternal ’ license , supported for five years . ” This means that you ’ll be able to bribe Office for Mac 2024 and the related to case-by-case apps for a one - prison term unconditional fee and get update until 2029 .
Microsoft has been somewhat discrepant with its Office release schedule , with late version coming in 2021 , 2019 , 2016 , and 2011 . The press release of Microsoft 2024 as a standalone leverage is significant as it ’s been unclear whether Microsoft would release another non - subscription variation .
While the LTSC versions of Office will see Mary Leontyne Price hikes “ up to 10 % at the prison term of general availability , ” the consumer versions are wait to stay the same , presently $ 150/£119 ( Home and Student ) and $ 250/£249 ( Home and Business ) for Microsoft Office 2021 . ( take down however that Microsoft does not guarantee the same pricing . It merely says “ We do not plan to change the price for these products at the metre of the release . ” )
As ever , Microsoft realize it abundantly absolved that it would greatly prefer for client to go for a subscription example . Throughout the blog post , there are reference to the superior feature set , security measure , AI capabilities and so on offered by Microsoft 365 / Office 365 . The fellowship even touts its suitability for some situations where the LTSC version might seem the obvious selection , such as on submarines . ( For a more objective view , we count up the pros and flimflam of buy Office on a subscription or an outright footing in ourMicrosoft 365 vs Office 2021buying guide . )
This is understandable because software companies roll in the hay recurring taxation . But we suspect that many user will opt one - off purchase for many years to number , and for these potential client , this will be good news indeed .
