Soon to be able to send and receive iMessage on computers

According to Insider, Microsoft will integrate iMessage, Apple's proprietary messaging feature, into Windows 11's Messages app. This means Apple users will soon be able to send and receive messages from iMessage, and make and receive calls. call, view notifications on computers running Windows operating system.

From March 1, Microsoft will release a beta version of the Phone Link app for iOS on Windows 11 to a small number of users in Windows Insiders to experience the new feature and provide feedback.

Phone Link supports iOS devices to pair iPhone and computer via Bluetooth connection, and allows users to send and receive iMessages without needing an iPhone.

Phone Link beta version will only support basic functions such as messaging or calling, but users can't message in groups or send media files, can't share photos.

Yusuf Mehdi, head of marketing at Microsoft further revealed that messages sent from Phone Link will appear on iPhone as iMessages.

Phone Link only shows messages sent and received while using the app, not the entire messaging history.

The Financial Times believes that iMessage, Apple's proprietary messaging feature, has caused a split between iOS and Android users. Since smartphones from other brands cannot use iMessage, if an Android user joins the messaging group of iPhone owners, all sent messages will be turned green.

With Phone Link, messages sent will not show blue or green bubbles, so they are not distinguishable like Android devices.

Lesley Montoya

Update 03 March 2023