By Abhik Sengupta: iPhone users can now connect their smartphone to a Windows PC or laptop to make calls or send messages. The option is available via the Microsoft Phone Link app, which only allowed Android users to sync their phones with Windows PC until now. Apple is known to be closed about their ecosystem, and the only interconnectivity was available between iPhones, Macs, and iPads. The sync option between Apple iPhones and Windows PCs only works on systems running on Windows 11 OS.
How to sync iPhone to Windows PC
Most Windows PCs with Windows 11 already have an in-built Phone Link app. iPhone users, on the other, have to download the app from Apple App Store. Only iPhones running iOS 14 version and above will work. That means you can use iPhone X, iPhone 11 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14 series, and the last two-gen iPhone SEs.
After downloading the Phone Link app on your iPhone, launch the applications on both platforms. Users will see an option for Android or iOS on the Phone Link desktop app. Select iOS, scan the QR code, enable notifications, and give contact permission — and you’re good to go.
Sync iPhone with Windows PC but with limited features
Now, the Phone Link for iOS is significantly different and restricted than the Phone Link app for Android. Firstly, you cannot sync photos from the iPhone to Windows PC or vice versa. Similarly, you cannot play around with phone apps on the Apple Mac. It means you cannot use some proprietary Apple apps, including Notes, Photos, and FaceTime. Users will get notifications from other apps.
iPhone users can also send messages, though it won’t go out as an iMessage, meaning no blue box. The other iPhone user will receive the text in a grey box. You can start or continue a group chat or send media files. Though Microsoft may add some upgrades later.
Despite limited functionalities, there are ways to sync to iPhone with Windows PCs with apps from Microsoft and even Intel. Recently, Intel rolled out Unison app that offers a similar Phone Link for iOS-like features, but with additional capabilities. You can view your phone gallery via the Unison app.
Microsoft also lets users sync files between Windows PCs and iPhones but through its own apps. It means users will need to download OneNote to enjoy Apple Notes-like connectivity. Users will also need to download OneDrive to transfer files between Windows PCs and iPhones.
The only way to get the best interconnectivity experience is via Apple Macbook. Users can log in with their Apple ID and browse (and edit) data saved on an app on iPhones.
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