AltTunes vs Across: Which Windows App Better Manages iPhone?

"Across let me control my iPhone from my PC, but I couldn't actually save any photos or messages to my computer. AltTunes gave me real access to transfer my files, not just remote control."
– Marcus, Digital Marketer
This functionality gap frustrates Windows users who need actual file transfers, not just remote control. While Across lets you remotely operate your iPhone, it lacks the ability to move content to your PC.
AltTunes vs Across: iPhone-to-Windows Capabilities
Feature | Across | AltTunes |
---|---|---|
File Transfer | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Complete transfer capability |
Photo Access | ❌ View only | ✅ Full photo library transfer |
Message Backup | ❌ Not possible | ✅ Export message history to PC |
Connection Type | ⚠️ Bluetooth only (unstable) | ✅ Reliable USB connection |
Offline Operation | ❌ Requires network | ✅ Works completely offline |
Windows Integration | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Full Windows file system access |
How to Use AltTunes for Real iPhone Content Access

- Download and install: Get AltTunes from Softorino's website
- Connect your iPhone: Use your standard USB cable
- Access your content: Browse photos, videos, messages, and more
- Transfer to PC: Save files to any folder with simple drag and drop

Photographer Sophia L. needed to transfer a photoshoot from her iPhone to her editing PC. Across only allowed viewing the photos remotely, while AltTunes transferred the original high-resolution files to her computer.
Why Across Falls Short for Content Management
Control Without Transfer
"Across is essentially a remote control app, not a file management solution," explains tech blogger David M. "You can use your keyboard and mouse to control your iPhone, but you can't actually get the content off your device and onto your PC."
– David M, tech blogger
Connection Limitations
Across requires:
Continuous Bluetooth connection
Both devices constantly powered
Proximity between devices
Frequent reconnection after interruptions
Cannot work without Bluetooth enabled
When Across Might Be Useful
Despite its limitations for file transfers, Across might be suitable when:
You only need to control your iPhone remotely with mouse and keyboard
You don't need to transfer any files between devices
You primarily need a multi-device control solution for productivity
Conclusion
Across provides basic remote control functionality but completely lacks the file transfer capabilities most Windows users need when connecting to their iPhone. AltTunes fills this gap by focusing on practical file access rather than just remote operation.
For Windows users who need to transfer and save iPhone content to their PC, AltTunes delivers essential functionality that Across simply wasn't designed to provide.
FAQs
How to transfer photos from iPhone to Windows PC?
AltTunes provides a direct method to transfer photos from iPhone to Windows PC via USB cable. Unlike Across, which only allows viewing your screen remotely, AltTunes actually transfers the files to your computer.
Can I save iPhone text messages to my computer?
Yes, AltTunes lets you export your entire message history, including iMessages, SMS, and attachments, to your Windows PC. Across provides no capability to save messages to your computer.
What's the best way to back up iPhone to PC without iTunes?
AltTunes offers the simplest solution for backing up iPhone content directly to Windows PC without iTunes. You can select specific content types or create a complete backup, with options to save to any location including external drives.
How to transfer music from iPhone to PC?
AltTunes allows you to extract music from your iPhone to your Windows PC, preserving metadata and organization. Across has no file transfer capabilities and cannot move music files to your computer.
Can I use Bluetooth to transfer files from iPhone to PC?
While Across uses Bluetooth for remote control, it cannot transfer files. AltTunes uses a direct USB connection for reliable, high-speed file transfers from iPhone to Windows PC without Bluetooth limitations.