Windows 11 users who own an iPhone have long sought a seamless way to integrate their messaging between devices. While Mac users enjoy this convenience effortlessly, Windows users have faced challenges—until now. With the introduction of Intel Unison, you can now sync your iPhone with your Windows 11 PC and use iMessage directly from your computer.

What is Intel Unison?

Intel Unison is an application developed by Intel that bridges the gap between your iPhone and Windows 11 PC. It allows you to send and receive messages (including iMessages), view and manage notifications, and transfer files between devices. Unlike the existing 'Phone Link' app on Windows, which has limited functionality with iOS devices, Intel Unison offers a more fluid and comprehensive experience.

Although originally intended for 12th Gen Evo Systems, Intel Unison has been found to work on PCs with other CPUs as well. This broadens its accessibility to a wider range of users looking to enhance their cross-device interaction.

There are some limitations to be aware of. Currently, Intel Unison only supports pairing one phone with one PC at a time, unlike 'Phone Link' which supports multiple devices. Additionally, phone mirroring is not yet available but may be included in future updates.

On a positive note, Intel Unison utilizes Wi-Fi Direct for connectivity, meaning it does not require both devices to be on the same network, potentially offering a smoother connection experience compared to 'Phone Link'.

To begin using iMessage on your Windows 11 PC, you'll need to install Intel Unison on both your PC and your iPhone, and then pair them. Follow the detailed steps below to get started.

Download Intel Unison on Your Windows 11 PC

Intel Unison is available on the Microsoft Store. However, if you can't find it through the Store's search function in your region, you can download it directly from the Microsoft website.

Step 1: Open your preferred web browser and navigate to apps.microsoft.com/store/intelunison. Click on the 'Get in Store app' button. This will prompt an alert on your screen.

Step 2: In the alert window, click on the 'Open Microsoft Store app' button. This will launch the Microsoft Store on your PC.

Step 3: In the Microsoft Store, click on the 'Get' button to download and install Intel Unison on your computer.

Step 4: Once the installation is complete, open the Intel Unison app. Click on the 'Accept & Continue' button to proceed.

Step 5: You will be prompted to share anonymous usage statistics. Click 'Allow' to share or 'Don't Allow' if you prefer not to. This choice won't affect your use of the app.

Your PC setup for Intel Unison is now complete. You should see the pairing screen, ready for you to connect your iPhone.

Download and Set Up Unison on Your iPhone

Next, you'll need to install the Intel Unison companion app on your iPhone.

Step 1: On your iPhone, open the App Store from your Home Screen or App Library.

Step 2: Tap on the 'Search' tab at the bottom right corner, then tap on the search bar at the top.

Step 3: Type 'Intel Unison' in the search bar and tap the 'Search' button on your keyboard.

Step 4: In the search results, locate Intel Unison and tap the 'Get' button next to it. Authenticate the download using your Apple ID, Face ID, or Touch ID.

Step 5: After the app installs, open Intel Unison. Tap 'Accept & Continue' to proceed.

Step 6: You will be asked whether you want to share anonymous usage statistics. Tap 'Allow' to share or 'Don't Allow' to skip. This will not impact your experience with the app.

Step 7: The app will require access to certain permissions to function properly. Tap 'Let's Go' to start granting permissions.

Step 8: When prompted, allow Intel Unison to access your Contacts, Photos, Local Network, and Bluetooth by tapping 'OK' or 'Allow' on each permission alert. For Photos, you can choose 'Allow Access to All Photos' or select specific photos if you prefer.

Pair Your iPhone with Your Windows 11 PC

With the apps installed on both devices, it's time to pair them.

Note: Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both your iPhone and Windows PC, and that they are connected to each other before proceeding.

Step 1: On your iPhone, tap 'Scan QR Code' in the Intel Unison app. If you prefer, you can tap 'Use text code instead' to enter a code manually.

Step 2: On your Windows PC, you should see a QR code on the Intel Unison app pairing screen. Use your iPhone to scan this QR code. Alternatively, if you're using the text code method, click 'Use text code instead' on your PC and enter the code shown into the app on your iPhone.

Step 3: After scanning the QR code or entering the text code, a confirmation prompt will appear on your PC. Click 'Confirm' to verify the pairing.

Step 4: On your iPhone, a Bluetooth Pairing Request will appear. Tap 'Pair' to allow the devices to connect.

Step 5: To ensure notifications are delivered properly, go to your iPhone's Settings app and tap 'Bluetooth'. Find your Windows PC in the list of connected devices and tap the information icon ('i') next to it.

Step 6: On the next screen, enable the toggle for 'Show Notifications' to allow your PC to receive notifications from your iPhone.

Your iPhone and Windows 11 PC are now paired, and you're ready to start using iMessage on your computer.

Send iMessage from Your Windows PC

With the setup complete, sending iMessages from your Windows PC is straightforward.

Note: Currently, Intel Unison does not sync your full message history to your PC. You will only see messages that are sent and received while the app is open on your computer. Despite this limitation, being able to send and receive iMessages on your Windows PC is a significant improvement.

Step 1: On your Windows PC, open the Intel Unison app. From the main screen, click on the 'Messages' icon or the 'Send messages' tile.

Step 2: If prompted to enable Bluetooth notifications, click 'Approved' (since you've already enabled notifications on your iPhone).

Step 3: If you don't have any existing conversations, click on the 'New conversation' icon (usually a '+' or pencil icon) to start a new message thread.

Step 4: In the recipient field, type the name or phone number of the contact you wish to message. Select the correct contact from the suggestions, and press Enter on your keyboard.

Step 5: Type your message in the text box at the bottom of the window. When you're ready, press 'Send' or hit Enter to send your message.

Step 6: You can also add emojis, GIFs, and kaomojis to your messages by clicking on the 'Emoji' button next to the text box and selecting the desired symbol.

At this time, Intel Unison does not display a distinct indicator to differentiate between iMessages and SMS messages. When attempting to send an SMS, you may receive an alert, but it might not provide detailed information. Future updates may enhance this functionality.

Congratulations! You've successfully sent an iMessage from your Windows 11 PC using Intel Unison.

The ability to use iMessage on a Windows PC has been a long-awaited feature for many users. Intel Unison not only bridges the gap between iOS and Windows but does so with a smooth and user-friendly interface. With this setup, you can enjoy a more integrated experience between your devices.