Apple has made a significant update to its suite of Windows apps, including iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple TV. This is big news for users who prefer iPhones but also use Windows PCs. The overhaul includes non-beta versions of the apps that were previewed for Windows 11 users over a year ago. These apps replace most of the functionality previously found in iTunes for Windows, which was discontinued in 2019.
The new apps are currently available in the Microsoft Store and are compatible with both Windows 11 and Windows 10. This means that users who have chosen not to upgrade or whose PCs do not meet the system requirements can still enjoy the updated Apple experience.
The Apple Music and Apple TV apps offer access to Apple’s streaming music and video libraries, as well as the ability to import and play local music and video libraries from iTunes. However, iTunes is still required for managing podcasts and audiobooks on Windows. It is unclear if Apple plans to release Windows versions of the Podcasts or Books apps in the future.
The Apple Devices app is designed for users who want to back up their iPhones or iPads to their PC or perform system restores for iDevices in recovery mode. It also helps with installing updates on devices with limited storage space. This app is not available on macOS but shares similarities with features that were added to the Finder when iTunes was discontinued for macOS in 2019.
The new iCloud for Windows app features an overhauled design that closely resembles a native Windows 11 app. It supports Dark Mode in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 and uses the “mica” background material found in other Windows 11 apps to match the PC’s desktop wallpaper. The app also offers a streamlined setup process that allows users to choose what they want to sync.
Functionally, the iCloud for Windows app remains similar to its previous version. It syncs iCloud Drive files locally, offers password syncing via a browser extension, syncs bookmarks for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, and provides mail, contact, and calendar syncing via the new Outlook for Windows app. It also supports iCloud Photos syncing, allowing users to download either HEIF or JPEG versions of their photos.
While there are still some iCloud features not available on Windows, such as syncing for Notes and Reminders and native versions of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote apps, the iCloud for Windows app has become more useful and full-featured over the years. It has evolved from a simple sync service for browser bookmarks to a comprehensive tool for Windows users.
Using an iPhone with a PC has become more pleasant in recent years. In addition to iCloud photo and password syncing, Microsoft added rudimentary iMessage support to its Phone Link app in April. This allows iPhone users to see and respond to basic text messages on their PC. The app, previously known as “Your Phone,” already supported syncing Android phones.
The increased focus on Windows apps by Apple can be attributed to the growth of its “Services” division. While hardware sales have remained steady or slightly declined, the Services division, which includes iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and other subscription plans, has continued to grow. By offering decent apps for competing ecosystems, Apple ensures that users who use a mix of devices have the option to stay within its ecosystem rather than opting for third-party apps like Spotify or Dropbox.
Overall, Apple’s overhaul of its suite of Windows apps brings improved functionality and design to Windows users who prefer iPhones. With the availability of these updated apps, users can enjoy a seamless experience across their Apple devices and Windows PCs.