Microsoft has announced a global rollout for Phone Link for iOS on Windows 11, finally bringing iOS support to the app. The company ran limited tests for the link support between the two platforms back in late February, but it is now ready to release it to the general public.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Phone Link app, it was previously called Your Phone and it allows Windows users to connect to their Android devices as far back as 2015. It allows you to make and take phone calls from your computer as well as view and send messages along with being able to see all other notifications from your mobile device.
iPhone support for Phone Link will be rolling out gradually in 39 languages across 85 markets, with Microsoft aiming to enable the feature to all Windows 11 users by mid-May. Aside from having access to your calls, messages, and contacts, you’ll also be able to view your iCloud photos in Windows’ Photos using its iCloud integration.
For now, most users will still see the iPhone option greyed out but as the support is gradually released, you’ll soon be able to click on the iPhone option in the Phone Link app. From there, you scan the QR code from your phone and it will ask for several permissions to link the two devices.
With notifications, you’ll be able to check, pin, and even dismiss them, with the additional ability to customise banner alerts. Of course, there are some notable limitations to this feature. One of which is that you won’t be able to share videos or images through messaging on the Phone Link app, nor will you be able to use group messaging.
Furthermore, the messages are session based and will only come through when your iPhone is connected to the computer. As for support, Phone Link for iOS is compatible with iOS 14 or higher.
(Source: Microsoft press release)
