Apple Tackles EU Request for Cross-Device Copy and Paste Between iOS and Windows
Apple is working on a feature to enable cross-device copy and paste between iOS devices and Windows PCs, in response to a request from Microsoft. The Digital Markets Act, which Apple implemented to comply with EU regulations, prompted Microsoft to submit its request through the interoperability system. According to Apple's project plan, the feature would allow users to share and import items from their iPhone's pasteboard to a paired accessory like a Windows PC.
The proposed solution involves using a similar method to the Accessory Notifications option in iOS 26.5 for third-party wearables in the EU. Users would need to give one-time permission to share their pasteboard with each paired device, and Apple plans to use the AccessorySetupKit framework to facilitate this process.
The feature is expected to be a significant engineering effort, with work estimated to be complete by fall 2027. The initial release will be in a developer beta for testing before being made available to the public. Apple has not specified whether the feature will be limited to iPhone and Windows users in the European Union or expanded globally.