If you've ever wanted to copy something on your iPhone and paste it on your Windows PC, the feature is coming in a fall 2027 release of iOS 28 to users in the EU.
Third-party developers can request interoperability features to be developed by Apple via a web portal. If the request is deemed possible it can take anywhere from six months to eighteen months to build the feature and submit it for release.
One such request was made by Microsoft (Request ID: FB22329535) for cross-device clipboard sharing access between iOS and Windows. The request was submitted on March 25, 2026, and after being reviewed by Apple, was approved on June 26, 2026.
Microsoft's request argued that consumers expect features like clipboard sharing between devices to "just work." Currently, the solution requires third-party apps to connect the devices, the iOS app to be open in the foreground, and a permission request for each cliard share.
The request suggests that if a solution is developed, it would allow copying from iPhone and pasting to Windows, or vice versa, without needing complicated apps or permission structures. Microsoft shared that it expected the feature would maintain user control and privacy.
Apple's system shows that the request was picked up on March 31, and after an initial assessment, moved up for further evaluation on April 27. It is interesting to observe Apple's systems at work, as this goes beyond simple app review or other systems.
A peek behind the DMA curtain
The EU DMA demands that Apple allow developers to request interoperability, and Apple has made it mostly transparent for anyone to view the goings-on. Some requests show as "Confidential," while others, like Microsoft, show the developer's name.
Since Apple is fundamentally altering how its OS operates, it is expected for any request to take some time. The clipboard sharing feature seems to fall into the longest-expected timeline of around 18 months.
While Apple says in these submissions that the features will be built for the EU only, there is always the chance they could be released globally. Emulation, for example, was brought about by DMA complaints, but was enabled worldwide.
If Apple builds the shared clipboard system for Windows, it could always make its way to US users, especially if regulators push for it.
iPhone to Windows clipboard sharing
Apple says the solution it has come up with is similar to the Accessory Notifications and Accessory Live Activities frameworks introduced in iOS 26.5 for the EU. Developers will need to implement AccessorySetupKit to enable a one-time permission prompt for users to pair an accessory and share the clipboard.
Of course, the timeline and implementation are Apple's decision. Whether or not the end result, or the timeline, satisfies Microsoft and the EU is another question entirely.
While Apple didn't say it explicitly, the feature will be ready for a version of iOS 28. Since it explicitly said "fall" 2027 for the solution's arrival, it may not be available in the point zero release, which begins beta testing in June.
