Microsoft announced plans to support iPhone iMessage users in their latest Phone Link upgrade. Microsoft is making the latest Phone Link available for Windows Insider users who have access to preview copies of Windows.

The application will allow iPhone users to send and receive messages and make calls using their Windows desktop. Phone Link will work with a cable-connected phone or Bluetooth.

Limitations

Phone Link has some limitations Mac users have taken for granted. Phone Link won’t support group conversations. Group conversations are a huge iMessage feature and get constant use. Images and multimedia aren’t supported either. That means iMessage users won’t be able to share images, PDF, movies, animated GIFs, emojis, animojis, or Force Touches with Phone Link users. Finally, Phone Link displays messages in a very simplified form. Blue and Green bubbles aren’t used to denote iPhone vs Android users, and you won’t be able to scroll back through the entire conversation history. Messages will be dumped off after some period.

Android users have had some support for iMessage for a while and have delivered a solid experience. This is the first time Microsoft has supported messaging with iMessage. Hopefully, Phone Link gets lots of usage and Microsoft will make enhancements over time.

Phone Link is available for Windows Insiders in the DEV, Beta, and Preview Release channels. Microsoft plans to increase availability as they shake out the bugs.