Microsoft AI Updates: June 17, 2026

1. Microsoft Makes Copilot Cowork Generally Available

Microsoft. Microsoft made Copilot Cowork generally available worldwide, positioning it as an agentic system that executes complex, long-running, multi-tool tasks end to end rather than just returning drafts. The general availability release adds plugin support with nine partners at launch, browser capabilities through Edge, enhanced security controls, and tenant- and user-level spending limits for cost management. Cowork draws on organizational context across Microsoft 365 and connected systems while operating within existing security, compliance, and governance controls, and is billed through usage-based Copilot Credits. Source

2. Work IQ API Reaches General Availability

Microsoft. Microsoft brought the Work IQ API to general availability, opening its workplace intelligence layer so developers can build agents and apps that securely use Microsoft 365 data, context, and tools at scale. The API provides agent-to-agent collaboration, context assembly, simplified tools for data retrieval and actions, and persistent storage for long-running workflows, all with permission-aware access and built-in governance. It is billed through a consumption model using Copilot Credits with no separate subscription, SKU, or per-user license, and charges apply when custom agents built in Copilot Studio, Foundry, or third-party platforms are grounded in Microsoft 365 data. Source