Microsoft demos AI Copilot in Power Apps model-driven apps
Microsoft has previewed features from its Power Apps 2026 Release Wave 1. The demo centred on Copilot integration in model-driven apps, where users issue natural language commands for data queries, visualisations and record updates across apps. It also showcased generative AI tools creating React-based pages and agent workflows powered by the Power Apps MCP server. These scale to all model-driven apps once enabled at the environment level. Canvas apps received a separate preview mention, but the main focus stayed on model-driven capabilities.
Canvas app builders have long wrestled with manual control positioning, Power Fx formulas like Patch and Filter, and basic design tweaks to avoid dated grey-and-blue screens. Model-driven apps now gain Copilot for quick natural language tasks, shifting power towards structured enterprise tools while canvas remains hands-on for custom interfaces. This widens the gap: beginners stuck on SharePoint galleries must master canvas reusability themselves, as AI prioritises model-driven paths over everyday canvas frustrations.
Analysis
Model-driven Copilot dazzles in demos but does nothing for your pixel-dragging gallery woes or Patch formulas today. Canvas stays king for custom team apps, so build one reusable navigation component this week using a lookbook design – copy inputs for active screen highlighting and slot it into your expense tracker to finally escape default-ugly screens.
Pulse published by Collab365 Spaces. Cite as "Microsoft demos AI Copilot in Power Apps model-driven apps", Collab365 Spaces.