14 DAY TRIAL // After taking everyone by surprise and deciding to sell Samsung’s new Galaxy S8 flagship phones in its own stores, Microsoft reiterated its commitment to a non-Windows mobile world at this year’s Build developer conference, confirming that in addition to Android, iPhones are also a key part of its vision.
iPhones were used for most demos that company executives who took the stage showcased, and this happened for a good reason: all the new Windows 10 features that will be part of the Fall Creators Update will work on Apple’s device as well.
In other words, you’ll be able to enjoy the best of Windows 10 even if you have an iPhone, as Microsoft is adding integration with iOS and making it possible for Microsoft Graph developers to connect desktop apps to mobile apps.
Windows 10 features for iPhones
OneDrive Files On Demand, which is one of the greatest feature comebacks on Windows 10, will come with support for iPhones as well, as Microsoft wants everyone to be provided with a similar experience on its services no matter the platform. Files On Demand is the new name of OneDrive placeholders, a feature that debuted in Windows 8 and which allowed users to browse cloud contents without having to download anything unless opening the files.
Then, Windows Timeline, a feature that returns the system to a specific state when certain apps were running, is also linked to a pick up from where you left off option, which once again supports iPhones too.
This means that Apple users will be able to resume their work on their smartphones when leaving from their PCs. This feature will prompt them to open the apps they were running on the PC and, in case they’re not installed, provide them with links to download and install everything only to be able to continue their work.
And last but not least, Microsoft is also introducing a cross-platform cloud clipboard that allows users to copy and paste content between multiple devices and, you guessed it right, the iPhone is on the supported devices list. You will thus be capable of copying content on Windows and paste directly on your iPhone.
The common thing for all these features is Cortana, as the cloud-connected digital assistant will be in charge of providing you with cross-platform interoperability. Cortana is already available in the App Store, and you can download it free of charge in some specific regions, like the US.
There will certainly be critics claiming that Microsoft is selling its soul by giving up on Windows phones and investing in Apple’s iPhones, but this is part of Redmond’s long-term mobile vision that focuses on the platforms that are the most widely adopted across the world. And in the end, just don’t forget that Apple itself is also bringing iTunes in the Windows Store.