The release of the new version is planned for the second half of 2025. As with the subscription versions of SharePoint Server and Project Server, the new Exchange version is only available via server or client access licenses, according to Microsoft. In exchange, the update should then be possible without new hardware requirements or moving mailboxes. Users of Exchange Server 2019 should be able to upgrade the version "in-place". Microsoft plans to announce more precise details on requirements, features and prices at the beginning of 2024.
Until the release of Exchange Server 2025, Microsoft is focusing more on the current 2019 version, with developers looking to focus on the aspects that users need most: Improvements in security, set-up and management options, as well as on the reliability of the service.
No end of support in sight - As long as demand is right
While there is no change to the end-of-support dates for Exchange Server 2013, 2016 and 2019, Microsoft plans to support Exchange Server 2025 beyond October 14, 2025. The blog promises to include the next version in the Modern Lifecycle Policy and then maintain and support Exchange Server as long as there is substantial market interest. However, Exchange is already lagging behind the big drawcards Azure and Microsoft 365.