Microsoft is taking a bold step to reimagine the Windows 11 Start Menu, drawing heavy inspiration from one of the smartphone giant’s best interfaces. Windows enthusiasts may soon witness an overhaul in how applications are sorted and managed—a change that brings a touch of iPhone's elegance into the Windows environment.
Since its launch in 2021, Windows 11's Start Menu has come under scrutiny for losing some of the beloved features of its predecessor. Traditional alphabetical lists, while familiar, often result in a lengthy and sometimes cumbersome cascade of icons that can slow down app discovery. Recognizing this pain point, Microsoft is now beta testing a set of dynamic new options designed to streamline app organization.
By adopting a design reminiscent of Apple’s App Library found on iOS and iPadOS, Category view promises faster navigation and a more intuitive user experience. Imagine opening your Start Menu and finding all your creative apps together, with your games, utilities, and entertainment options automatically clustered. It’s a small but significant upgrade that speaks volumes about user-centric design.
This move to incorporate an iPhone-like app organization strategy is more than a cosmetic change:
For those nostalgic about the old Start Menu or skeptical of major shifts, the retention of multiple views ensures that everyone can feel at home. It’s a tale of gradual transformation, where familiar elements are reimagined for the modern era.
In addition to the Start Menu tweaks, Microsoft is also exploring other innovative integrations—such as enhanced Phone Link functionality, which connects your mobile device to your PC more seamlessly than ever before. These ongoing efforts are part of a broader strategy aimed at making Windows 11 not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional.
As these features roll out, it will be interesting to see how they reshape the way users interact with their PCs—and whether the shift encourages even more innovation in future updates. Windows 11 continues its journey of transformation, and with these new tools at your fingertips, navigating your digital workspace might just become as effortless and intuitive as swiping through your favorite apps on a smartphone.
What are your thoughts on these changes? Will the new Start Menu win you over, or do you still prefer the classic look? Join the conversation here on WindowsForum.com—your insights could spark the next big tech discussion!
Source: Pocket-lint Windows 11 is copying one of the iPhone's best features
A Fresh Take on the Classic Start Menu
Since its launch in 2021, Windows 11's Start Menu has come under scrutiny for losing some of the beloved features of its predecessor. Traditional alphabetical lists, while familiar, often result in a lengthy and sometimes cumbersome cascade of icons that can slow down app discovery. Recognizing this pain point, Microsoft is now beta testing a set of dynamic new options designed to streamline app organization.Introducing the Category View
At the heart of this transformation is the Category view. Enabled via a new drop-down menu within the Start Menu’s “All Apps” section, Category view smartly groups your applications into clearly defined categories. Whether you’re into Music & Entertainment, Creativity, Gaming, Utilities & Tools, or something else entirely, Windows will neatly sort your apps into these familiar buckets.By adopting a design reminiscent of Apple’s App Library found on iOS and iPadOS, Category view promises faster navigation and a more intuitive user experience. Imagine opening your Start Menu and finding all your creative apps together, with your games, utilities, and entertainment options automatically clustered. It’s a small but significant upgrade that speaks volumes about user-centric design.
Beyond Category View: The Name Grid
And there’s more. Alongside the Category view, Microsoft has introduced a third sorting option called Name Grid. This view reflects an Android app drawer-esque layout that displays applications in a dense and alphabetically arranged grid. Both Category view and Name Grid exist side-by-side with the traditional List view, giving power users the flexibility to choose the organizational style they prefer.The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters to Windows Users
For years, Windows users have faced mixed reactions about the evolution of the Start Menu. Critics argue that while sleek, Windows 11’s fresh design sometimes sacrifices functionality, leaving out features that long-time users cherished. Meanwhile, proponents hail the new design for its modern aesthetic and renewed focus on simplicity.This move to incorporate an iPhone-like app organization strategy is more than a cosmetic change:
- Streamlined User Experience: For those who find the classic long list overwhelming, the new categorization offers a more user-friendly and visually appealing approach.
- Enhanced Navigation: By automatically sorting apps into logical groups, users will likely find it easier and faster to launch their commonly used programs.
- Modernization: Embracing design elements from leading mobile ecosystems may help Windows 11 appeal to a broader audience, particularly the tech-savvy crowd accustomed to modern mobile interfaces.
A Nod to Familiarity with a Twist
While it’s clear that Microsoft is borrowing a page from Apple’s playbook, the tech giant isn’t abandoning its roots. The traditional alphabetized List view remains available, underscoring Microsoft’s commitment to offering options that cater to different user preferences. It’s a balancing act between innovation and familiarity—a necessary strategy as Windows 10 support winds down and Windows 11 continues its ambitious evolution.For those nostalgic about the old Start Menu or skeptical of major shifts, the retention of multiple views ensures that everyone can feel at home. It’s a tale of gradual transformation, where familiar elements are reimagined for the modern era.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect and When
According to early reports from Windows insiders and community monitors on platforms like X, the new Start Menu updates are nearing completion and might officially debut as part of a Windows 11 update as soon as fall 2025. With Windows 10 support ending in just a few months, the timing couldn’t be more strategic for users contemplating the switch.In addition to the Start Menu tweaks, Microsoft is also exploring other innovative integrations—such as enhanced Phone Link functionality, which connects your mobile device to your PC more seamlessly than ever before. These ongoing efforts are part of a broader strategy aimed at making Windows 11 not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s next evolution of the Windows 11 Start Menu marks an exciting moment for both long-time Windows users and newcomers alike. By integrating an iPhone-inspired Category view and offering a sleek Name Grid option, Microsoft is appealing to the modern user’s desire for simplicity and efficiency.As these features roll out, it will be interesting to see how they reshape the way users interact with their PCs—and whether the shift encourages even more innovation in future updates. Windows 11 continues its journey of transformation, and with these new tools at your fingertips, navigating your digital workspace might just become as effortless and intuitive as swiping through your favorite apps on a smartphone.
What are your thoughts on these changes? Will the new Start Menu win you over, or do you still prefer the classic look? Join the conversation here on WindowsForum.com—your insights could spark the next big tech discussion!
Source: Pocket-lint Windows 11 is copying one of the iPhone's best features
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