Bold takeaway: Microsoft is weaving advanced Intune capabilities directly into Microsoft 365 E3 and E5, at no extra cost, reshaping how organizations secure and manage devices in a hybrid, AI-powered workspace. And this is the part most people miss: this move sets the stage for a significant pricing shift in 2026 by reframing the upgrade as added value rather than a simple price bump.
Microsoft is expanding endpoint management by embedding premium Intune Suite features into Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 subscriptions. The updated bundle blends AI-powered insights, Zero Trust security, and streamlined device management to help organizations scale operations while reducing complexity and overhead.
Background on the Intune Suite
The Intune Suite first debuted in March 2023 as a premium extension to the standard Intune platform. It builds on core management with a suite of advanced capabilities designed for more sophisticated endpoint control and security. Highlights include Remote Help, Endpoint Privilege Management, Advanced Analytics, Enterprise Application Management, Microsoft Tunnel for mobile app VPN, Cloud PKI for cloud-based certificate management, firmware-over-the-air updates, and support for specialty devices.
Why this matters now
As workplaces become more distributed and AI-enabled, managing a diverse set of endpoints becomes increasingly complex. Organizations must secure remote devices, enforce Zero Trust principles, and reduce operational overhead without sacrificing productivity. Traditional tools often require multiple point solutions and manual processes, which can raise risk and expense.
What’s new in the Intune upgrade for E3/E5
- Intune Remote Help: remote assistance to diagnose and fix devices.
- Intune Advanced Analytics: deeper, AI-driven insights to optimize management.
- Microsoft Tunnel for Mobile App Management: secure app-level VPNs for mobile devices.
- Specialty device management: tailored support for non-standard devices.
- Firmware updates: streamlined firmware maintenance across fleets.
E3 vs. E5: security and automation emphasis
E3 subscribers gain practical enhancements for day-to-day device operations, including remote help, analytics, mobile app management, specialty device support, and firmware updates.
E5 subscribers receive a deeper security and automation layer aimed at Zero Trust. Notable additions include Intune Endpoint Privilege Management, Intune Enterprise Application Management, and Microsoft Cloud PKI, which enables cloud-based certificate issuance for Wi-Fi, VPN, and app authentication.
Security Copilot integration and AI-enabled workflows
Beyond basic management, Microsoft 365 E5 integrates with Security Copilot in Intune. This integration enables agentic AI workflows that translate natural-language admin tasks into concrete actions, leveraging Defender threat intelligence to assess and respond to risks.
Windows resilience and security enhancements
Windows Enterprise E3 gains new resilience and security capabilities, including Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) with enterprise controls, point-in-time restore, and cloud rebuild for Windows 11. An Autopatch update readiness preview will surface device compliance and risk in an Intune dashboard.
Strategic benefits for customers
This deployment unifies advanced endpoint management and security within Microsoft 365, reducing dependence on multiple standalone tools. Organizations get a single, integrated platform that enforces Zero Trust, automates certificate and privilege management, and leverages AI for proactive monitoring and remediation. The result is strengthened security against evolving threats and reduced operational cost and complexity.
Rollout timeline
Intune Suite capabilities will begin rolling out to Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 customers in 2026. Eligible organizations will receive a notification in the Microsoft 365 admin center 30 days before the changes take effect.
Rationale for the 2026 price increase
Starting July 2026, Microsoft plans a pricing increase for Microsoft 365/Office 365 commercial plans. To soften the impact and reframe the upgrade as valuable enhancement, Microsoft is bundling advanced Intune Suite capabilities into core E3 and E5 plans at no additional charge. This approach positions the forthcoming price change as an investment in stronger security and more efficient operations rather than a straightforward fee increase.
Bottom line
By embedding AI-driven analytics, privilege management, secure app deployment, and Zero Trust-era capabilities into core plans, Microsoft aims to simplify administration, reduce risk, and improve security posture—while preparing customers for the 2026 pricing shift. How will your organization respond to this bundled upgrade, and what are your views on the accompanying pricing strategy?
