Windows 11 will support iCloud! Gradually opens up the Apple software ecosystem

(taken from the official Apple website)

In addition to releasing three new hardware products, Microsoft’s fall new product launch also announced some new Windows 11 system content.

Of these new features, the collaboration between Microsoft and Apple is the most surprising.

First, Microsoft is currently testing a new Photos app that connects to Apple’s iCloud Photo Library, allowing users to manage their photos and videos smoothly and conveniently on the Windows platform.

This is not the first time the two sides have collaborated: Apple has already launched iCloud applications on the Windows platform and this cooperation will allow Windows users to have a better experience.

Windows users can also get Mac-like operation with the new Photos app for Apple users.

In recent years, Apple has moved towards a more open green environment. In addition to continually improving its hardware products, Apple is also promoting more of its software products to access other systems.

In Microsoft’s case, in addition to the Photos app, Apple plans to launch desktop versions of Apple TV and Apple Music on Windows PCs next year.

Not long ago, Apple Music was quietly placed on the Xbox platform and users can download it for free.

Previously, Apple TV and Apple Music have also landed on the SONY Playstation platform to enrich the entertainment experience for players.

It is not difficult to find that Apple is gradually starting to launch self-developed software products on other platforms, so that more users can understand the charm of Apple software, and is gradually changing its conservative attitude.

From widgets to dynamic islands, Apple is slowly rolling out more open software content.

And this is related to the software services business that Apple is paying more and more attention to.

Relying on Apple’s powerful hardware products, Apple has always maintained a relatively closed software ecosystem and maintained an integrated software and hardware ecosystem.

But with Apple’s hardware product revenue growth slowing in 2015, Apple has gradually begun to promote the development of its software business.

According to Apple’s second quarter 2022 financial report, Apple’s service business revenue reached $ 19.821 billion, accounting for 20.4% of total revenue, second only to Apple’s iPhone business.

Since 2015, Apple has successively launched subscription content services such as Apple One, Fitness +, Apple Arcade and APPLE TV, attracting a large number of software content users, which made Apple’s service business one of the main businesses.

However, Apple’s third quarter 2022 financial report shows that Apple’s services revenue is facing a slowing growth trend.

The third quarter financial report showed that Apple’s software business achieved operating income of US $ 19.6 billion, which was below market expectations. Revenue growth was also only 12.2%, the slowest growth since the fourth quarter of 2015.

The slowdown in software revenue has led Apple to turn its attention to third-party platforms.

Whether it’s adding entertainment content to the XBOX and Playstation platforms or partnering with Microsoft to place their software products on the Windows platform, the ultimate goal is to increase Apple’s software audience and increase revenue from the software services business.

Of course, with years of development and constant updates, Apple still has an unprecedented position in the global hardware market.

But in the face of more and more competitors, Apple must start changing its habits and try to open its own software content.

While this kind of opening isn’t complete enough at the moment, it’s really an attempt worthy of encouragement, and Apple, which has begun collaborating with competitors, could bring fresher ideas to users.

This article is published with permission from Pinwan and the original title is “Windows 11 supports iCloud gradually opening up Apple’s software ecosystem」