Apple plans to let users copy and paste content between an iPhone and a Windows PC, responding to an interoperability request from Microsoft under EU regulations. The move follows Microsoft's March 25, 2026 request, which cited the inability to offer a feature comparable to Apple's Universal Clipboard. Microsoft outlined three use cases: copying content from iPhone to PC and vice versa, enabling seamless productivity workflows, and providing continuous clipboard synchronization without manual intervention.

Apple acknowledged the request on April 27, stating it would move the proposal to the next phase of its interoperability process. On June 26, Apple confirmed it would develop a solution using frameworks similar to Accessory Notifications and Accessory Live Activities introduced in iOS 26.5. The system will allow extensions to share and import pasteboard items with paired accessories, requiring user consent via the Accessory Setup Kit.

Apple described the project as a "significant engineering effort" with development completion targeted for fall 2027. The feature will first appear in a developer beta before a full public release, potentially as part of iOS 28. The company noted that implementation depends on feasibility assessments and intellectual property considerations. Microsoft's request emphasizes enabling basic cross-device productivity rather than replicating Apple's existing system experience.