Windows 11 Start Menu Integration for iPhone
A new Windows 11 preview build introduces a feature that mirrors Android's Start menu phone integration for iPhones. This allows users to view battery life, recent activity, messages, and share files directly from the Start menu.
Enhanced iPhone Connectivity
Previously, interacting with iPhones on Windows 11 required using the Phone Link app. This update streamlines the process, providing quick access to key features without opening a separate application. Similar to existing Android integration, users can access texts, calls, and send files directly.
Feature Limitations and Requirements
While this update improves iPhone integration, some limitations remain. iPhones require a Windows 11 PC with Bluetooth LE. Features like image sharing and group texts are still unsupported. Android integration offers more comprehensive functionality, including notification mirroring and call management. For further details on the new feature, refer to the Google Gemini on Android XR article.
Looking Ahead
This update brings Windows 11 closer to feature parity with Android in terms of iPhone integration. While not as robust as iOS 18.3's updates, it offers a more convenient way to interact with iPhones on Windows 11. The update is currently available in preview build 4805 for Microsoft Insiders and is expected to roll out later this year. For more on cross-device integration, see WhatsApp's multi-account feature for iPhones.