Microsoft expands Phone Link app to iPhone users with Start menu integration

Microsoft is expanding its Phone Link app capabilities for Windows Insiders with a new update that integrates a sidebar panel into the Start menu. Previously available only for Android devices since its June 2024 introduction, this feature now extends support to iPhone users as well. This update simplifies the device connection process, allowing users to link their iPhone or Android devices directly from the Start menu by selecting their device type and following the on-screen instructions.

The integration allows users to access key phone functionalities such as messages, calls, battery status, and recent activity directly from the Windows 11 Start menu, eliminating the need to open a separate app. Additionally, iPhone users can now share files with their Windows PC via the Start menu using the Phone Link feature, offering a functionality akin to Apple's AirDrop.

The feature is being rolled out gradually to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels, so not all users will have immediate access.