Apple’s new iPhone Mirroring feature, available in the latest versions of iOS and MacOS, allows users to view and control their iPhone from their Mac. This feature is convenient for situations where the iPhone is out of reach, such as in a bag or another room. However, iPhone Mirroring only works over short distances due to Apple’s Continuity technology requiring the devices to be within Bluetooth range. Users can access apps on their iPhone, like Duolingo or Wordle, from their Mac using iPhone Mirroring, maintaining their streaks without needing the physical device.
Additionally, iPhone Mirroring is useful for accessing apps that work better as a mobile app than a web interface, such as Instagram. This feature allows users to navigate the app using a mouse pointer rather than a finger, providing a better user experience. The ability to transfer files between devices seamlessly is also coming soon, allowing users to drag and drop files between their iPhone and Mac. This feature will enable efficient file transfers in both directions, improving workflow and productivity.
Furthermore, iPhone Mirroring is advantageous for users who want to avoid cluttering their Mac with unnecessary software. While MacOS supports numerous system extensions and background processes, iOS is built as a silo’d system, ensuring each app has its own protected storage. By using iPhone Mirroring, users can access mobile apps on their Mac without adding unnecessary detritus to the system. This prevents the app creep that can occur under MacOS and maintains a clean and efficient operating environment.
For tasks that require secure apps only available on the iPhone, such as banking apps, iPhone Mirroring provides a convenient and secure method of access. Users can log in to these apps using the iOS app on their iPhone while mirroring the device on their Mac, enhancing security and ease of use. Additionally, users can access locked and hidden apps on their iPhone through iPhone Mirroring, requiring authentication via the Mac to open these sensitive apps.
IPhone Mirroring is also beneficial for presentations, allowing users to demonstrate tasks on their iPhone wirelessly using their Mac’s trackpad or mouse and keyboard. This feature eliminates the need for an overhead camera or a physical connection between the iPhone and Mac, streamlining the presentation process. However, one limitation of iPhone Mirroring is the inability to stream media from the iPhone to the Mac while using the feature, due to digital rights management restrictions. Overall, iPhone Mirroring is a useful tool for accessing and controlling an iPhone from a Mac, offering convenience and efficiency in various tasks.
