Skip to main content

Cortana app for Android and iOS is getting a pretty major refresh

Microsoft has been making a pretty serious push into app-making for platforms other than Windows Phone, and has even launched its digital assistant, Cortana, on Android and iOS. Well, those Cortana apps for Android and iOS are now getting an update — and they’re finally launching in the U.K. The Android version is available in the U.K. now and the iOS version is coming soon.

The app is essentially aimed at bringing the Windows 10 digital assistant experience to most people’s mobile devices. The new update simplifies the look and feel of Cortana, making it both easier to use and a lot better-looking.

Recommended Videos

But why use Cortana over the likes of Google Assistant and Siri? The real advantage to Cortana is that it can sync between your phone and your computer. In other words, you can ask Cortana on your phone to set a reminder on your computer, or you can get alerts from your computer straight to your phone. It will even work with Cortana on your Xbox. Of course, it can also work as a replacement to Google Assistant and Siri, allowing you to ask it to search for things.

Similar to Cortana’s Android and iOS competition, the digital assistant can be awoken with a simple voice gesture. With Cortana, all you have to say is, “Hey, Cortana,” and the assistant will wake up and start listening.

Still, there is a downside to using a third-party digital assistant. Google Assistant and Siri are both deeply integrated into the phone’s operating system, and as such can do things like allow you to control both first-party and third-party apps — an important feature for many. users

You can check out what’s new with Cortana for yourself in the video below.

What's New With the Cortana Companion App
Christian de Looper
Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle…
Will my iPhone get iOS 26? Here’s every supported model
We've got the full list of iOS 26 supported devices - find out if you're getting the new iPhone update
iOS 26 features on a series of iPhone screens

Apple announced iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, and the new iPhone update comes with a fresh new 'Liquid Glass' look and plenty of features - and there are loads of iOS 26 supported devices, which is great news.

And no, you haven't missed a volley of updates since iOS 18 in 2024. Apple has skipped a bunch of numbers, so instead of giving us iOS 19 in 2025, we got iOS 26 alongside iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26 and tvOS 26. In short, Apple's brought its operating system numbering into line. Nice.

Read more
3 big iOS 19 changes that I hope Apple reveals at WWDC 2025
iOS 19 sample logo.

We’re less than two days away from Apple’s big WWDC 2025 keynote, where the company will reveal new versions of each of its software platforms. One of the biggest changes this year is the expected shift from iOS 19 to iOS 26, with new versions of macOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS also set to follow suit. We're also expecting to see the evolution of Apple Health, including a new AI doctor and Health subscription.

iOS 26, if it is to be named that, is expected to introduce one of the biggest evolutions in design for Apple software since the first iPhone was launched. Inspired by visionOS and the Apple Vision Pro, it’s expected to be a monumental redesign, but I hope that Apple also takes the time to make a few improvements.

Read more
iOS 26 rumored to go back to basics with four intriguing upgrades
An iPhone 15 Pro Max running iOS 18, showing its home screen.

In just two days from now, Apple will take the stage at WWDC 2025 and showcase the big yearly upgrades for its entire software portfolio. I am quite excited about the platform-wide design update and a few functional changes to iPadOS, especially the one targeting a more macOS-like makeover for the iPad’s software. 

Of course, analysts will be keenly watching for Apple’s next moves with AI, but it seems some of the most dramatic features have been pushed into the next year. Apple can afford some of those delays, as long as the company serves enough meaningful updates to its user base. Apple won’t exactly be running dry on AI, though. 

Read more