Windows 11 getting iCloud Photos support plus Apple Music & TV apps

Following the news that Apple Music is now available for Xbox, Microsoft has announced further integration with Windows.

Unveiled at the company's October Surface event, the apps were said to be coming to the Microsoft Store in 2023. Beta releases are reportedly launching on the store soon.

It's a significant step for Apple and particularly so with the Apple TV app. As well as being the way to watch Apple TV+, the app can be a gateway to very many channels and services.

Consequently, it could become a widely-used media player. Up to now, the the only way for PC users to access Apple TV+ was via the website, and that solely played Apple TV+ material.

Apple Music, too, has chiefly been accessible via its official site, although there is an iTunes for Windows.

Microsoft also announced that the Windows 11 Photo app is to integrate with Apple's iCloud Photo library. It's not clear whether Windows users will therefore be able to take advantage of iCloud Photo Sharing, but they will be able to browse their iPhone photos directly on the PC.

The feature is due in 2023, but a beta process is starting on Wednesday. "We are beginning to roll out an update to the Photos app today (version 2022.31100.9001.0) to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel with this new integration," wrote Microsoft's Dave Grochocki in a Windows blog post.