Apple is preparing to copy-paste iPhone features to Windows, thanks to EU rules

JAKARTA - Apple is developing a feature that allows users to copy (copy) and paste (paste) text and other content directly between iPhones and Windows computers. The development of this feature was carried out after Microsoft submitted a request through the interoperability mechanism required by the European Union in the Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules.

Currently, Apple has a Universal Clipboard feature that allows users to copy and paste content automatically between iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. However, a similar capability is not yet available for Windows computers.

According to Apple's interoperability document, Microsoft submitted an official request in March 2026. Apple then evaluated the proposal and on June 26, 2026, presented its implementation plan.

Microsoft wants an experience that allows users to copy text or other content on an iPhone and instantly paste it on a Windows computer, and vice versa.

The company also wants clipboard synchronization to run automatically in the background so that users don't have to open a specific app or manually transfer data every time they want to move data.

As a solution, Apple proposed a mechanism that allows iPhones to share and receive clipboard content through paired devices, such as Windows computers.

The system will utilize an approach similar to the Accessory Notifications feature that Apple introduced for third-party wearable devices in the European Union through iOS 26.5.

In its implementation, users must provide one-time consent to each Windows computer that is paired in order to access and synchronize the iPhone clipboard.

Apple explained that developers must use the AccessorySetupKit so that the permission process can be carried out in accordance with the company's security and privacy standards.

Currently, apps on the iPhone can only read the clipboard if the app is active on the screen (foreground) and the user gives permission every time a copy-paste process is performed. Microsoft considers this restriction to hinder continuous clipboard synchronization between the iPhone and Windows computer.

Apple acknowledges that developing this cross-platform feature requires considerable software engineering work.

The company estimates that its development will only be completed in the fall of 2027. After that, the feature will first be available in a beta version for developers before it is finally released to the public. With this schedule, users can only enjoy this feature at the end of 2027 or early 2028.

For the initial stage, the feature is expected to only be available for iPhone and Windows users in EU countries as it is part of Apple's compliance with the Digital Markets Act rules.

However, Apple is still open to bringing the feature globally in the future.

Previously, Apple has also brought several features resulting from compliance with the DMA to the international market, such as the ease of transferring eSIM from iPhone to Android and simplifying the process of transferring data between devices. However, some other features, such as installing third-party wearable devices like AirPods and forwarding notifications, are still limited to users in the European Union.