There isn't currently an iMessage app for Windows, but according to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, he's in support of that changing. Nadella hinted at this during an interview regarding the recent Windows 11 announcement, suggesting that there could be a future where more Apple services are available on the Windows platform.
Microsoft showcased Windows 11 during a virtual event on June 24. Simply put, it's one of the largest updates the OS has ever seen. In addition to a brand new design language and an overhauled Start menu, Windows 11 also changes the Windows Store in a big way. Now branded as the 'Microsoft Store,' the digital marketplace has a fresh design, allows developers to use their own commerce systems to keep 100 percent of their earnings, and even supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore. The goal is to make the Microsoft Store more accessible to consumers and developers alike, with this (hopefully) resulting in more and better apps available to download.
The Wall Street Journal spoke with Nadella about all of these changes, and at one point, Nadella said, "We have the ability to have multiple marketplaces. We want to have a great marketplace [the Microsoft Store], but we also welcome other marketplaces." That then lead interviewer Joanna Stern to ask Nadella about Microsoft's stance on deeply integrating its apps/services with the iPhone. To this, Nadella said, "We’d love to make sure that it works better, we do everything we can. Like anything Apple wants to do with Windows rather it’s iTunes, iMessage, or whatever, we welcome that. But, overall, we want to make sure our software runs great on Apple devices." In short, Nadella is open to Apple bringing iMessage to Windows.
Apple Should Bring iMessage To Windows — But It Won't
That means iMessage should now be coming to Windows any day, right? Not exactly. While Nadella might welcome iMessage with open arms, Apple has proven that it's very much against expanding iMessage beyond its own devices. During the Epic Vs. Apple court hearing in April, it was revealed Apple had admitted it could bring iMessage to Android but made a clear point not to. In one email, Apple executive Phil Schiller is on record as saying, "moving iMessage to Android will hurt us more than help us." In another email, Craig Federighi said, "iMessage on Android would simply serve to remove [an] obstacle to iPhone families giving their kids Android phones."
While those were all comments regarding iMessage on Android, it's safe to say that same train of thought carries over to Windows. Macs are the only computers that can access iMessage, thus giving them a distinct edge over Windows for people that rely on the service. It keeps people more locked into the Apple ecosystem, which makes Apple more money, and it's something that's likely not changing any time soon — even with Nadella's blessing.
Source: The Wall Street Journal