The Windows vs Mac debate may be set to rage on for years to come, just like the Android vs iPhone argument. Although many of us staunchly stick to our personal tech choices, it’s relatively common for people with iPhones to prefer using a Windows PC.
There are advantages to using a Microsoft-backed computer instead of a Mac, but if an iPhone is your smartphone of choice, it is beneficial to own a Mac because the two devices sync up well across apps and services.
This could be set to change for the better for Windows users with iPhones. Microsoft has just announced it’s rolling out the ability to share files between your iPhone and Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC thanks to Microsoft’s clever Phone Link tech.
It’s great to hear this is coming to Windows 10 devices despite the fact Microsoft is planning to end support for the operating system in October 2025.
Using the Link to Windows app on your iPhone, you’ll be able to create a connection between your Apple phone and Windows computer via official means. Microsoft says it will let you send files from one device to the other – hopefully breaking down a few barriers that traditionally exist between the two platforms.
There are few caveats to this exciting new tool. Here’s what Microsoft says you’ll need to get this interesting new feature working:
- An iPhone that is running iOS 16 or higher.
- The Link to Windows app on your iPhone (version 1.24112.73 or higher).
- Phone Link version 1.24112.89.0 or higher.
- You are registered for the Windows Insider Program.
The Windows Insider Program is available for anyone to sign up for and means you can get software updates earlier than they are released to all PCs worldwide. You can then test features before their general release, and Microsoft can study the stability to make sure they don’t go out globally full of bugs.
Undoubtedly linking Windows to iPhones came with a few hurdles that the bods at Microsoft will want to keep a close eye on to make sure it’s working. We’re not sure when this software update will go out beyond the Insider Program.
You can register to join the program here.
As this feature will work with iPhones running iOS 16 or later, you may want to make sure your phone is compatible. The latest version of iOS is 18, so some older phones should also work with the Link to Windows update even if they can’t run iOS 18.
All iPhones compatible with iOS 16, and therefore with the new Windows feature are: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X,iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone SE (3rd generation), and iPhone SE (2nd generation).
