Control your iPhone from your Mac with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia! Learn about the new mirroring feature, its limitations, and future plans.
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| Apple's iPhone mirroring on Mac: A game-changer? Not quite yet. Explore the limitations and future potential of this new feature. |
Apple's latest developer betas for iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia show up a long-awaited feature: iPhone mirroring on Mac. This allows you to see and control your iPhone's screen directly on your desktop.
Early Access for Developers, Public Release Uncertain
While exciting, this feature is currently only available for developers who install the beta versions of both operating systems. Public availability remains unclear, potentially not arriving until the official releases of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia in July.
EU Users Face Delay Due to Privacy Concerns
European users will have to wait even longer due to Apple's concerns about complying with the Digital Markets Act. The company fears the Act might force changes that compromise user privacy and data security.
What You Need to Know Before Trying
If you're a developer eager to test iPhone mirroring, keep in mind the potential risks associated with beta software. Here's what to expect:
Control Your iPhone from Your Mac: You can control your iPhone while it's locked, see notifications, and interact with apps.
Same Apple ID Required: Both devices need to be signed into the same Apple ID.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Must Be On: A stable connection is necessary for smooth mirroring.
60 fps Mirroring: The iPhone screen will mirror smoothly on your Mac at 60 frames per second.
Vertical Orientation by Default: The mirrored iPhone screen will typically be in portrait mode, switching to landscape only for games.
Minimal Battery Drain: Mirroring shouldn't significantly impact your iPhone's battery life.
Unlocking iPhone Ends Mirroring: The mirroring window on your Mac will close if you unlock your iPhone.
Future Features and Known Issues
Apple plans to add functionalities like drag-and-drop file transfer between iPhone and Mac in future updates. However, the current developer beta has some known issues:
Lock Screen Apps Inaccessible: You might not be able to access lock screen apps on your iPhone while mirroring.
Universal Clipboard Issues: Using Universal Clipboard on your iPhone might be disrupted during mirroring.
Overall, iPhone mirroring on Mac shows promise, but its public availability and full functionality remain to be seen, especially for users in the EU.