Office for Android and iOS purportedly caught in screenshots, won't lure away Surface loyalists

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/07/office-for-android-ios-purportedly-caught-in-screenshots/)

We're wondering if Microsoft is a master of the non-denial. While it has [twice](http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/microsoft-says-office-for-ipad-story-is-based-on-inaccurate-rum/) [downplayed](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/10/czech-microsoft-manager-claims-office-2013-will-reach-android-ios/) rumors of an upcoming Office for competing mobile platforms, supposed new screenshots and details from _The Verge_ hint that the Redmond team's use of the word "inaccurate" wasn't a flat-out rejection. The Android and iOS versions (iOS seen here) are believed to be real, but to serve mostly as hooks for those who crave Microsoft-sanctioned portals rather than full-fledged productivity suites. Excel, PowerPoint and Word apps would start off as free viewers and only unlock editing for those who dutifully subscribe to [Office 365](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/17/microsoft-announces-office-2013-and-365-pricing-nudges-users-to/); to no one's shock, even the paid versions would be simple enough to leave [Surface](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/23/microsoft-surface-rt-review/) owners free from buyer's remorse. Anyone who hasn't already been lured away by [Google Drive](http://www.engadget.com/tag/GoogleDrive/) or [iWork](http://www.engadget.com/tag/iWork/) offerings may have some time to wait if the claims hold true, however. A mobile Office bundle may meet the rumored launch targets for iOS users with a launch sometime in late February or early March, but the Android fans among us might have to wait until May. It's safe to say that Microsoft won't clear the air anytime soon.

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Microsoft](http://www.engadget.com/category/microsoft/)

[Office for Android and iOS purportedly caught in screenshots, won't lure away Surface loyalists](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/07/office-for-android-ios-purportedly-caught-in-screenshots/) originally appeared on [Engadget](http://www.engadget.com) on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 11:13:00 EDT. Please see our [terms for use of feeds](http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/).

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