3 ways to connect your phone with Windows now that this popular sync tool is getting the axe

I often use the free Intel Unison app to sync my iPhone with Windows 11. This handy tool allows me to send and receive text messages, make and answer phone calls, view notifications, and transfer photos and other files directly from my PC. Now, Intel is putting the kibosh on this helpful app, which means I’ll have to turn to a different program to handle the same tasks.

As spotted by Windows Latest, opening Intel Unison now triggers a message telling you that all good things must come to an end.

“It was a great run, but Intel Unison is approaching its sunset at the end of June 2025,” the message reads. “Please take it into account as you consider other multi-device experience alternatives.”

Also: How to link and sync your iPhone to your Windows 11 PC

The Microsoft Store page for Unison echoes the same message but adds more details: “Intel Unison will soon be discontinued. The first step in its wind-down process is ending service for most platforms at the end of June 2025. Lenovo Aura platforms will retain service through 2025.”

Launched in late 2022, Unison was designed to sync Android phones and iPhones with Evo-powered laptops equipped with Intel’s 13th-generation processors. Though the app supposedly supported only PCs with the Evo designation, many people were able to run Unison on older, non-Evo computers. The app came at a time when Microsoft’s similar Phone Link app didn’t play well with iPhones and was better suited for Android users.

The main limitation of Unison is that it works only with Windows 11. Otherwise, I have always found it a helpful and effective tool. I like the comfort of writing and reading text messages on my PC rather than on my phone. Making and answering phone calls through Windows is also convenient if my phone isn’t within reach. Using the photo transfer option offered me a relatively quick way to exchange photos between my PC and phone.

Now with Intel Unison riding off into the sunset, what are my alternatives? If you’re in the same boat, here are a few similar apps worth considering.

Microsoft’s Phone Link

Phone Link is the obvious choice if you’re looking to replace Unison. Once a clumsy and limited tool, Phone Link has grown and developed over the years. The app now supports iPhones, though it still works better with Android devices. Otherwise, you can use Phone Link to exchange text messages, make and receive phone calls, and view your notifications. I use this one on my Windows 10 PC and will likely adopt it on my Windows 11 computer.

AirDroid

With AirDroid, you can make and receive phone calls, send and view text messages, transfer photos and other files, and even remotely control your mobile device. Although AirDroid technically supports iPhones, virtually all the major features work only with Android devices. To try this, download and install the app for Windows and your mobile OS. After pairing your PC and phone and approving the necessary permissions, check out the different features. I really like AirDroid; I just wish it were more iPhone-friendly.

Microsoft Copilot

The latest version of the Windows Copilot app offers an option called Phone Connection. With this built-in capability, you can ask Copilot to perform certain tasks on your Android device, such as sending a text, setting a timer, or getting directions. As this tool is brand new, it feels rough and unfinished. Plus, it works only with Android, so iPhone users are out of luck. Still, it’s worth trying. And hopefully Microsoft will improve it over time and even add support for the iPhone.

Also: 11 Samsung Galaxy phone settings I always change right away – here’s why

Other apps provide similar functionality, including Pushbullet, MightyText, and KDE Connect. However, the first two support only Android devices, while KDE Connect can be challenging to set up. Microsoft Phone Link comes closest to Intel Unison and may be your best bet if you want to sync an iPhone or Android phone with your Windows PC.

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