Microsoft Excel, Apple Silicon support specified in beta version

Apple is holding the One more thing event on November 10 (local time). Reportedly, it is expected that a 13-inch MacBook Pro or Air with its own developed chip, Apple Silicon, will be announced.

In the midst of this, Microsoft announced that some functions of Excel for Mac correspond to Apple Silicon in the Office Insider beta test program. Build version 16.43, released on November 2nd, specifies support for new Apple silicon devices in SQL Server connection settings. According to the description, this feature supports SQL Server ODBC data connections properly and automatically on new devices equipped with Apple Silicon Processors, and it also provides support for SQL Server that requires a secure connection via TLS v1.2 protocol.

This feature is only for beta testing, and it may take some time for Apple Silicon device general support. However, the fact that Microsoft started preparing for support in Excel, a business standard application program, strongly indicates the possibility that the announcement of an Apple Silicon-equipped device is imminent. Apple’s official AR content also hinted at the opening of the Apple Silicon version of the MacBook.

Since Apple Silicon Macs are switching from Intel chips, compatibility with existing macOS applications is uncertain. But for business users, where business continuity is important, the message that Excel or Office apps will run as they have been is certainly a reassuring story. Related information can be found here .