Overview
- Microsoft filed an interoperability request on March 25, 2026 asking Apple to enable continuous clipboard sync between iPhones and Windows PCs so users can copy on one device and paste on the other.
- Apple confirmed on June 26 that it will build the feature and said development is a significant engineering effort targeted for completion by fall 2027 followed by a developer beta and a likely public release in 2028.
- The planned system will notify developer extensions when items are copied to the iPhone pasteboard and use an Accessory Transport Extension to transfer clipboard items to paired accessories such as Windows PCs.
- Apple requires developers to adopt AccessorySetupKit and will use a one-time, per‑device consent prompt to limit access because clipboard contents can include sensitive data like passwords and verification codes.
- The capability will likely launch first in the European Union under the DMA process, which could narrow the app gap for Windows users and set a precedent for more EU-driven interoperability changes.