Microsoft has been ignoring iPhone users for a very long time; now, it seems that two major tech giants, Apple and Microsoft, are working together to build connectivity between iPhones and Microsoft devices. Previously, the company also integrated iCloud Photos functionality into its system.
Microsoft’s native Photos app in Windows 11 now includes Phone Link for iPhone users. This is a feature that Android users have enjoyed for a long time. However, Samsung devices still have exclusive access to some functionality, like running an Android app with a phone link. It’s still good news that iPhone users can now link their iPhones to Windows 11.
The phone link for the iPhone is still in Insider Preview.
If you want to try it out, you’ll need to use the Windows Insider Programme, which includes three Insider Channels: Release Preview, Beta, and Dev. You can follow these instructions to register your device for the Windows Insider Programme.
- Open Windows Settings (Windows + I).
- After that, go to Windows Update, which appears at the bottom of the left sidebar.
- After that, click on the Windows Insider Programme, then click on Register Now, and then choose the channel you want to register for.
- Then it will ask you to restart to apply the changes.
- That’s it, and you can learn more about how you can register for Windows 11 Development.
After restarting your computer, you can start installing the latest Windows update on your device. All you need to do is download and install the latest update by following these instructions.
- Open Windows Settings, and then head over to Windows Update.
- After that, click on Check for Updates, and if you have an update, click on Download and Install.
- Wait for it to finish downloading and start installing; then it will restart. Don’t turn off your PC during and finish with the final setup by following the on-screen instructions.
Beta with Limited Windows Insider Access This feature is not rolling out for everyone and is still in limited testing for Windows Insiders. It will gradually roll out throughout the week. With upcoming updates, more insiders will be able to use it. At this point, the company is testing the feature and fixing bugs based on feedback. To use this functionality, make sure you have Phone Link v1.23012.169.0 or higher.
How to use Phone Link for iPhone on Windows When you receive a phone link for iOS, you will have the option to add a new device. It will be clearly labeled and ask you to pick between an Android or iPhone. Choose your device, and then download the Phone Link for iPhone from the App Store. Start pairing your smartphone with the latest version of the app.
Scan the QR code to enter the pairing code and finish pairing your device with Windows. You will also need to grant permission for the app to access your phone to sync your contacts and notifications so that it can show notifications from your iPhone on Windows 11.
If you see an iPhone marked in grey under “Pick Your Phone,” it means that it is not available for you. As of now, there is no photo view functionality feature, but it does have contact means, so you can message and call them.
After pairing, you can start using it on your computer to receive notifications, send messages, and make calls. Phone Link doesn’t support group messages or sending media in messages yet, but this might be available in the future, similar to Phone Link for Android on Windows.