Access Windows 365, Azure, Dev Box, and more on your iPhone or iPad
Microsoft offers many of its services on iOS and Android, even though it failed to make Windows popular on mobile platforms. Now, it has a new Windows app that lets you access various Microsoft cloud services and stream Windows from a remote PC.
The Windows app is in preview mode and works across PCs, web browsers, and Apple devices. It could be a way to bring Windows to the mobile space or a sign of a possible cloud-based future for the operating system.
The Windows app includes these services:
- Azure Virtual Desktop: Run Windows desktops and apps on Azure
- Windows 365: Stream your personal or business cloud PC
- Microsoft Dev Box: Develop and test apps in the cloud
- Remote Desktop Services: Connect to a remote PC or virtual desktop
To use the Windows app, you need to sign up for the preview on the Windows 365 app or the Microsoft website. For Mac, iPhone, and iPad users, you can download the app from TestFlight.
When you open the Windows app, you will see a list of devices you can connect to, such as a cloud PC or a remote desktop. However, not all features are available on all platforms yet. Some Azure and Dev Box functions, especially those related to file editing, are still limited. You can check this guide page for more details.
The app also has some extra features, such as:
- Customization: Change the app’s settings, switch between accounts, and personalize your remote PCs
- Display: Adjust the resolution, scaling, and monitor setup
- Peripherals: Use webcams, speakers, external storage, and printers with the app
- Teams: Optimize the app for remote work and collaboration
The Windows app could be part of Microsoft’s plan to make Windows more cloud-based. Earlier this year, some documents revealed Microsoft’s intention to evolve Microsoft 365 and possibly move Windows 11 to the cloud. The launch of Windows 365 and the Windows app seem to support this idea.