iCloud Photos integration is coming to Microsoft Windows 11 by Jose Antunes

Microsoft wants to remove barriers and make it more seamless to connect to what matters across platforms and devices. Accessing your iPhone photos in Windows is a big step forward.

At a recent event showcasing the next step for Microsoft Surface, Microsoft announced, among other things, that thanks to a new integration with iCloud and the Photos application in Windows 11, you will be able to access all your photos and videos from your iPhone directly in the Photos application. Microsoft has started rolling out an update to the Photos app for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel with this new integration, which should be available later for Windows 11 users.

This new feature comes after Microsoft updated its own Photos app a few weeks ago – for Windows Insiders, again – with a series of improvements to the app, which is the key piece of software for organizing your pictures in Windows. According to Microsoft, “the update brings a beautiful gallery, making it easier to browse, find, manage, and consume your photo collection. It also lets you easily back up your photos with OneDrive, enjoy powerful experiences on Windows devices and provides a delightful “Memories” experience.

From Clipchamp to the new Photos app

The updated Photos app, which will replace the current Photos app experience, was introduced after Microsoft launched Clipchamp, the company’s new inbox video editor, which aims to make creative easy, fast and fun video on Windows, an application mentioned by the ProVideo Coalition before. Microsoft also noted, then, that “because Clipchamp is equipped with all the basic tools you’d expect, like cropping and splitting, along with more professional features like transitions and animated text, the new experience of Photos app no ​​longer includes the legacy video editor, so if you prefer to continue using the old Photos app, it will still be available in the Microsoft Store.

Now the “bridge” between Windows and iOS is being added to the updated Photos app, as Microsoft announced the company is taking steps “to remove barriers and make it more seamless to connect to what matters on platforms and devices,” adding “we’re thrilled to announce that we’re making it easier than ever to access the photos and videos on your iPhone, and the entertainment you love from Apple on Xbox consoles and Windows devices.

The Apple TV app is coming to Windows 11

Thanks to a new integration with iCloud and the Photos app in Windows 11, you’ll be able to access all your photos and videos from your iPhone directly in the Photos app. It’s seamless, just install the iCloud app for Windows from the Microsoft Store and choose to sync your iCloud photos. Now available for Windows Insiders, this experience will be available to all customers on Windows 11 in November.

According to Microsoft, the iCloud Photos integration is a game-changer as it removes all barriers for users who use both iOS and Windows and want/need to access their images from any system. The “bridge” between the systems doesn’t stop there as Microsoft has also announced that Apple Music will be available on the Xbox, joining Apple TV, which is already there as an option. Microsoft also announced that Apple Music and the Apple TV app will launch on Windows next year. Previews of these apps will be available in the Microsoft Store later this year.

Integrations like these, Microsoft says, as a final note, “are just one of the ways we’re making Windows available to more people with great experiences you love on every device. that you are using”.