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Windows 11 Update Integrates iPhone to the Start Menu
Marco Lancaster
January 29, 2025
Image Credi: Tom’s Guide
Microsoft keeps pushing new features with Windows 11 and there is one aimed at attracting users of Apple’s mobile devices. The company is rolling out a new update for its Windows Insiders enrolled in the Dev and Beta channels. The new update aims to offer deeper integration for iPhone users. The update adds a side panel in the start menu, allowing you to quickly see your iPhone’s battery status and access messages and calls.
Windows 11 Update Allows Users to Pair iPhones with Windows
It is worth noting that Windows 11 already offers this level of integration for Android devices. However, iOS users have been missing this feature. Now, it’s a matter of time until the feature becomes available for iOS users who want to manage some info from their iPhones without leaving the Windows environment.
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Image Credit: Windows Insider Blog
The new features are rolling out gradually for Windows 11 running the latest Insider Preview Build 4805 or higher in the Beta channel. It also requires Phone Link version 1.24121.30.0 or even higher. The connected PCs must support Bluetooth LE and an active Microsoft account for this to work. The Insiders will test the feature over the next months. If it proves to be stable without unexpected bugs, then Microsoft will bring it to the stable channel. Since this seems to be a minor feature update. We don’t expect iPhone users to have to wait for a major Windows 11 update.
To connect the iPhone or Android device, users need to open the Start Menu and select the device type from the right-side pane. After that, follow the on-screen instructions to connect the device to the PC and start accessing the phone from the Start Menu.
Read Also: Nokia knew in 2007 that the iPhone was a threat but failed to act on internal warnings
Image Credit: Windows Insider
Besides reading notifications, and getting call and message alerts, the integration also allows you to send files across your devices and the PC. You just need to select “Send files” to begin transferring.
If you’re an iPhone and Windows 11 user, then you might be tempted to test the new feature. Proceed with caution before entering the Windows Insider program. The Beta builds usually carry some bugs that can affect performance and battery life if you’re on a laptop. We expect the feature to reach users in the stable channel soon enough.
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Source/VIA :
GSMArena
