A while back, Microsoft launched its Phone Link app for iOS
that makes it possible to send and receive messages and calls via iMessage on
Windows PC.
The way Phone Link works for iOS is that it sends and
receives messages over Bluetooth. Apple then detects these messages and forces
them to be sent and received via iMessage. Additionally, iPhone users can view
and dismiss notifications on the Phone Link app. The app, however, doesn’t support
other functions like mirroring phone display, running other apps, or interacting
with group chats.
To set up a connection between an iPhone device and PC, you will be prompted to scan a QR code from your phone which will open an App Clip version of Phone Link and start the Bluetooth pairing process. Once the pairing is complete, you can then enable contact sharing by turning on “show notifications.” This will allow system notifications to be shared to your PC via Bluetooth.
The iMessage experience on Phone Link isn’t too efficient,
though. For instance, it doesn’t show full message history and notifications on
your phone do not disappear even after opening them on Phone Link. The call
feature, however, works just fine, except that Bluetooth causes some latency in
calls. Other than that, calls can be easily answered on the PC without having
to even touch your iPhone and can also be transferred from PC to iPhone any
time.
The Phone Link app for iOS is currently in the process of
being tested, after which it will be available to all Windows 11 users in the
coming months.
