Microsoft Completes Rollout of Basic iMessage Support on Windows 11

[MacRumors]

Microsoft today announced it has completed its rollout of iPhone support for its Phone Link app on Windows 11, as spotted by The Verge.

With the Phone Link app for Windows 11 and the Link to Windows app for iOS, iPhone users can make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages, and view notifications directly on their PC. Notably, this means Windows 11 technically supports iMessage, although there are several limitations, including a lack of support for group chats, photos, videos, and conversation history beyond the current chat session.

All messages appear as gray bubbles in the Phone Link app, meaning iMessages and SMS text messages cannot be differentiated on a PC. In addition, messages are only delivered to a PC while the iPhone is connected via Bluetooth. Microsoft says the iPhone must be running iOS 14 or later, and this feature is not available for the iPad or Mac.

All in all, this is a rather clunky workaround to Apple's lack of true iMessage support on Windows, but it's better than nothing for iPhone users with a PC.

Article Link: Microsoft Completes Rollout of Basic iMessage Support on Windows 11

 

[vegetassj4]

SpongeBob Narrator:





Seriously though, the phone has to be connected via Bluetooth in order to receive messages, SMH! Personally, I wouldn't even bother with this.

 

[alexandr]

Wish I had any friends that use PC's 🙁

 

[blazerunner]

Wish I had any friends that use PC's 🙁

Why? Are you a gamer?

 

[Picapau21]

This is apple being apple. One of the biggest reasons I haven’t left OS x is the lack of proper iMessage support.

 

[alexandr]

Why? Are you a gamer?

No, I could iMessage with them 🙂

 

[cocky jeremy]

Why? Are you a gamer?

That's the only reason I have a PC at home.. lol.

 

[jz0309]

I don't miss Windows, just sayin ... LOL

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Does anyone feel like this is still a half-baked Windows App? This App would be perfect for Microsoft Lumia.

 

[icanhazmac]

If only Apple would get into the gaming game, I'd love to toss my PC.

 

[YoToddy]

Downloaded it and tried it for about 5min... then removed it. Not worth the effort.

 

[bobcomer]

SpongeBob Narrator:

View attachment 2202460

View attachment 2202461

Seriously though, the phone has to be connected via Bluetooth in order to receive messages, SMH! Personally, I wouldn't even bother with this.

It actually makes sense in a work type situation. I used the app with my android phone and it works well for when you want to leave the phone in your pocket.

 

[DarthDon]

This is fun. Running Windows in a virtual box and then IMessage...

 

[xDKP]

Our office is windows environment so would love to have it if it was as slick as on Mac OS

 

[erikkfi]

Does Windows 11 really put the Start Menu in the middle of the bar? Yeesh. I hope that's configurable.

Deep cut, but does anyone remember how the earliest OS X betas had the Apple menu in the middle of the menu bar?

 

[Loismustdie1]

I've been using it since beta, and while not a perfect solution, it gets the job done.

 

[Loismustdie1]

Does Windows 11 really put the Start Menu in the middle of the bar? Yeesh. I hope that's configurable.

Deep cut, but does anyone remember how the earliest OS X betas had the Apple menu in the middle of the menu bar?

It's really not that big of a deal, and yes it's configurable to move back to the left if one prefers...

 

[bobcomer]

Does Windows 11 really put the Start Menu in the middle of the bar? Yeesh. I hope that's configurable.

It's not in the exact middle, but yes, it's configurable.

 

[rgeneral]

Does this mean giving Microsoft access your messages ?

 

[mrbrown]

So, it's just using the iPhone's bluetooth car capabilities to display messages in Windows?

I can distinctly remember having an app nearly 20 years ago that allowed me to do this exact same thing on OS X with my Nokia dumb phone (and later Nokia Symbian-based smart phones).

 

[LeeW]

At least they are trying to add more functionality that has benefits. Let's not forget, the majority of iPhone owners use Windows, not macOS.

 

[GMShadow]

At least they are trying to add more functionality that has benefits. Let's not forget, the majority of iPhone owners use Windows, not macOS.

The majority of iPhone owners don't use a computer at home at all. And the same applies for Android.

 

[Scottsoapbox]

Just use Signal.

 

[gaximus]

It has to have Bluetooth connection, this is the same implementation that my Tesla has with my phone, its not iMessages, its just bluetooth texted messaging, through your phone. I assume you'd be able to do the same thing with Android, right? what about this makes it iMessage? Do you log in with your AppleID?

 

[LeeW]

The majority of iPhone owners don't use a computer at home at all. And the same applies for Android.

Ok, the vast majority of those who own an iPhone and a Laptop or Desktop are Windows users more than macOS.