Send or receive smartphone text messages from Windows PC

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Level 1

22 points

Send or receive smartphone text messages from Windows PC

I often don't see text messages on my iPhone till many hours after they were sent. My Millennial friends, already annoyed that I am a Boomer, and even some Boomers themselves, become agitated when I don't respond promptly to their messages. I'd like to relieve their stress without giving up the ability to focus for hours at a time on work that's on my Windows computer while my iPhone is on silent under papers on my desk or on the kitchen table in another room. Is there a way for Windows to notify me I've received a text message on my iPhone. Better yet, is there a way for me to see who sent the message and to read it? Best of all, is there a way for me to reply to the message without deploying my iPhone and refocusing my attention on it?

Posted on Oct 25, 2020 11:23 AM

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Answer 1

Complainer Author

Level 1

22 points

Oct 25, 2020 1:12 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

Thanks ChrisJ4203 and Alex F. I appreciate your prompt response. Your answers were right on point. I was afraid that would be the answer. Luckily, this restriction in the Apple ecosystem is not a game-changer for me.

If it were though, I'd consider an alternative you didn't mention. Namely, switch to an Android phone. I love my iPhone. Don't get me wrong. My uninformed opinion is that it offers a more organized and more secure platform than the alternatives.

But if I really needed the ability to received timely text messages, one consideration would be how ruthlessly the alternative ecosystems enforce their monopolies. I don't have a firm opinion right now, but my vague sense is that on that one important criteria Apple would lose out. At least today. The FTC may be about to change that according to the papers.

I hope my bias doesn't offend you. I've been a loyal Apple guy for a long time. Probably longer than either of you. But I've always suffered from a mild resentment over the way Apple talks about it's ownership of what I'd like to think of as my iPhone.

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Answer 2

Axel Foley

Level 10

150,984 points

Oct 25, 2020 2:55 PM in response to Complainer

I am certain that your bias does NOT offend us (I have taken the liberty to speak for Chris as well). It is your choice and your device and, above all, your money.

You have some good talking points and I respect your opinion. One other thing to note in the event that you did not know and that is that These are user-only forums. Apple's presence here is very limited. If you want to suggest your thoughts directly to Apple then please leave feedback here ➔ Product Feedback - Apple

Axel F.

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Answer 3

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,309 points

Oct 25, 2020 6:48 PM in response to Complainer

I'm not offended either, and I teach Windows at the college level. While it was always something I wished would happen, with my iPhone and iPad, I was okay with things. However, I also teach Microsoft Office 365, and with the number of my students using the Apple platform, I decided to purchase an Apple laptop, a MacBook Air to be exact. At first I feared the different operating system, but I have to say, the way the devices work together, with photos, other data, being able to handle my iMessage and other text messages from my laptop, I wonder why it took me so long. Long story short, it has never been a feature of Windows, and considering everything they do to try and prevent it, I've found I can live with both. My next task is to install Boot Camp or Parallels and install Windows 10 so I can boot Windows and operate Windows supported software on my Mac.

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Answer 4

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,309 points

Oct 25, 2020 11:32 AM in response to Complainer

You cannot send or receive SMS or iMessages on a Windows computer. You would need an Apple computer to be able to perform that function.

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Answer 5

Axel Foley

Level 10

150,984 points

Oct 25, 2020 7:21 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

We have somewhat of a similar track to Apple with Windows approach. Good to read your experience.

Axel F.

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Answer 6

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,309 points

Oct 26, 2020 7:45 AM in response to Axel Foley

👍

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Answer 7

Axel Foley

Level 10

150,984 points

Oct 25, 2020 11:32 AM in response to Complainer

Great Question however I have a bad answer for you.

NO. None of the features that you mention above are available to be used on a Windows based PC.

Unrelated to your question, ALL of those features that you mention above are available to be used on a Mac computer, iPad or an Apple Watch. I know you were not asking about Apple devices however just thought that I'd mention.

Axel F.

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Send or receive smartphone text messages from Windows PC

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