Microsoft and Apple are cooperating to enable the Windows 11 Photos app to access photos and videos from iCloud. In addition, the Apple Music and the Apple TV applications are also coming to Windows.
The Apple vs. Microsoft war is truly over.
Apple entertainment services on the way to Microsoft Windows
In the early days of personal computers, Apple and Microsoft were bitter rivals. Windows eventually won that war, but the two companies still tried to cooperate. Then came the iPhone, which was so successful it pushed Microsoft out of the phone market. Now the two companies generally get along because each has something to offer the other.
As evidence, some of Apple’s consumer and entertainment services are coming to Windows 11.
“We’re excited to announce that we’re making it easier than ever for you to access your iPhone photos and videos, and the entertainment you love from Apple on Xbox consoles and Windows devices,” said Panos Panay, Microsoft Chief Product Officer.
Perhaps the highlight of the announcements is enabling the Windows 11 Photos app to seamlessly access pictures and videos from an iPhone.
iCloud photo access only requires users to install the iCloud for Windows app from the Microsoft Store. It’s in beta testing now for Windows Insiders, and will be available to all in November.
This type of cooperation benefits both Apple and Microsoft because it means more Windows users can buy an iPhone instead of Android, while iPhone users aren’t required to use macOS.
Increasing availability of Apple Music and Apple TV+
The Apple Music streaming service launched on Xbox game consoles on Wednesday. And that’s just the start.
“We’re also happy to announce that Apple Music and the Apple TV app will launch on Windows next year,” said Panay.
The primary function of the Apple TV app is to give users access to the Apple TV+ streaming service. Currently, Windows users can access this through a web browser.
Source: Microsoft
