Microsoft has started experimenting with new user interface (UI) changes to the Windows 11 taskbar.
Image: File
Microsoft is bringing the “side panel” Windows 11 Phone Link feature that they launched last year for Android phones, to iPhone owners.
Last year, Microsoft announced a Windows 11 upgrade that allowed Android users to get quick access to a linked phone’s battery status, notifications, messages, calls, and photos by adding a side panel to the Start menu.
Now, Microsoft will be expanding the feature to include support for iPhone users, enabling a more integrated experience between Apple devices and Windows PCs.
“This seamless integration allows iPhone users to enjoy the same benefits as Android users, including ability to view phone’s battery status and connectivity, ability to access messages and calls, and keeping track of the latest activities, all conveniently integrated into the Start menu,” explains Microsoft in a blog post.
An iPhone appearing alongside the Windows 11 Start menu.
Image: Microsoft
Notifications
You can view notifications from your iPhone on your Windows PC, making it easy to stay updated without switching devices.
Calls and Messages
The ability to make and receive calls as well as send and receive messages directly from your PC enhances productivity, especially when working.
iCloud Integration
Users can access their iPhone photos through the Photos app on Windows 11, thanks to integration with iCloud.
Users must note however, that messaging features are limited due to iOS constraints. For example, group messaging and image/video sharing on your PC are not supported.
To use Phone Link, users need:
A Windows 11 PC with Bluetooth capabilities.
An iPhone running iOS 14 or later.
The latest version of the Phone Link app on Windows and the Link to Windows app on the iPhone.
According to Microsoft, these new Start menu features will start rolling out to all Windows 11 users in the coming months.