Windows 11 PCs and iPhones are about to get much closer

Microsoft is currently testing a new integration feature for iPhone users in the Windows insider Dev and Beta channels. This update introduces a side panel in the start menu allowing iPhone users to quickly check battery status access messages and calls and enable file transfers. These features were already available for Android users and Microsoft is now extending them to iOS devices.

iPhone Access from the Start Menu

The new iPhone integration appears in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 4805 or higher offering a more seamless experience for Apple users within the Windows ecosystem. Phone link version 1.24121.30.0 or later ensures seamless connectively between iPhones and Windows PCs. Users must have a PC with Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) capabilities and an active Microsoft account to use this feature.

What About Regular Windows 11?

Currently this iPhone integration is rolling out gradually to insiders but Microsoft is expected to expand it to regular Windows 11 builds in the coming months. That being said there is no set launch date for the feature as of yet but it should not be long before it reaches the stable build of Windows 11. It is unclear if the feature will reach Windows 10 users or not.

As Windows continues evolving this improvement will offer a more unified experience across devices making it easier for iPhone users to stay connected while working on their PCs.