iPhone stakes more space on Windows Start menu

Microsoft Windows will soon introduce much improved support for iPhones, a dedicated area on the Windows Start menu – it’s a position that Android devices have enjoyed since 2024.

What does this mean?

If you are a Windows 11 user who also uses an iPhone, it will soon be possible to add a side panel to the Start menu within which you will be able to check your iPhone battery, notifications, calls, messages, and photos. You can test this integration on Windows 11 right now, a Microsoft blog announced, though you do need to be a registered Windows Insider.

The idea is that you will be able to check your iPhone without leaving your PC. That includes checking recent notifications, messages, and more. All that is required will be to visit the Windows Start window.

The integration has legs. Microsoft also intends making it possible to swap files between supported phones and the Windows PC. That means if you use an Android, iPhone, and Windows PC you’ll be able to quickly move documents and photos between all these platforms.

This new integration is being tested at present but is expected to ship to Windows devices in the coming months.

How to link your iPhone

You can connect your device to your PC from inside the Start menu:

Open Start.
Select the device type – Android or iPhone.
Follow the prompts provided.

System requirements on Windows

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 4805 and higher in Beta Channel and 26120.3000 and higher in Dev channel.
Phone Link version 1.24121.30.0 or higher.
Your PC must be signed in with a Microsoft account and must have Bluetooth LE.
PCs running Pro Education or Education SKUs are not supported.

All in all, a good improvement that will probably delight the tens of thousands of Windows 11 using iPhone owners, at least until they upgrade to something better. It’s also a little similar to the iPhone Mirroring feature we now enjoy on Macs.

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