COMPARISON

iPhone Mirroring or MacSway:
which is for what

iPhone Mirroring brings your iPhone screen to your Mac, and MacSway does the opposite: it brings your Mac's screen and controls to your iPhone. The two are opposite directions, and you can use them side by side. iPhone Mirroring is an Apple feature, and MacSway is a separate app (iOS 17+, macOS 14+).

Download on theApp Store Download for Mac:MacSway.DMG

Free to start · iOS 17+ · macOS 14+ · Both apps required

Signed and notarized by Apple · macOS 14+ · Apple silicon and Intel

✦

The Mac on your iPhoneNot the other way

Two separate appsiPhone and Mac

NO ACCOUNT · NO CLOUD RELAYSee features

Two opposite directions

Both connect an iPhone and a Mac, but in opposite directions.

iPhone Mirroring: your iPhone screen appears and can be used on the Mac.
MacSway: your Mac screen appears and can be used on the iPhone.
Together: they do not exclude each other, so you can use both.
Note: iPhone Mirroring needs newer Apple system versions, so check Apple's page for the exact requirements.

When to use which

The question is whether you sit at the Mac or hold the iPhone.

You sit at the Mac and want to use the iPhone: iPhone Mirroring.
You hold the iPhone and want to control the Mac: MacSway.
You only need a cursor and keyboard for the Mac: MacSway's free trackpad.
You need to see the Mac remotely: MacSway Pro screen sharing.

MacSway at a glance

01↗

↓

What you need

For MacSway, the iPhone app (iOS 17 or later) and the Mac app (macOS 14 or later). You can find the requirements for iPhone Mirroring on Apple's page. It works with any Mac running macOS 14 or later: MacBook Air and Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro, with Apple silicon or Intel.

02↗

What it costs

The MacSway trackpad, keyboard and volume are free. Screen sharing is Pro: $3.99 a month, $24.99 a year or $49 once (US prices).

03↗

How private it is

MacSway's connection is direct and encrypted, with no account and no MacSway server.

04✓

↓

Limits

MacSway shows only the Mac's main display, and a Mac that is asleep or has its lid closed cannot be reached.

AWAY FROM HOME

Reach your Mac
when you are away.

At home MacSway works over your Wi-Fi. Away from home, set up Tailscale on both devices and MacSway reaches your Mac across networks. Leave the Mac on and plugged in, with the companion app running. No MacSway account required.

DownloadBoth devices need Tailscale and internet. The Mac must stay on and reachable: plugged in, with a long auto-lock or in Rest mode.

PRICING

Free to start.
Pro when you need more.

Trackpad, keyboard and volume are free. Pro adds the screen sharing, widgets and remote access.

FREE

$0forever

Everyday control at no cost.

Local trackpad and gestures
Keyboard input
Volume controls

Try it

Common
questions.

Quick answers before you install.

What is iPhone Mirroring?

iPhone Mirroring is an Apple feature that brings your iPhone screen to your Mac, so you can use your iPhone on the Mac. For requirements and details, check Apple's page.

How is MacSway different from iPhone Mirroring?

MacSway works in the opposite direction: it brings the Mac screen and controls to your iPhone, while iPhone Mirroring brings the iPhone to the Mac. MacSway is a separate app that needs iOS 17 or later and macOS 14 or later.

Should I use iPhone Mirroring or MacSway?

If you sit at the Mac and want to use your iPhone, iPhone Mirroring fits. If you hold the iPhone and want to control or watch the Mac, MacSway fits.

Can I use iPhone Mirroring and MacSway together?

Yes, the two work in opposite directions, so they do not exclude each other. iPhone Mirroring brings the iPhone to the Mac, and MacSway brings the Mac to the iPhone.

Do I need Pro to see the Mac screen with MacSway?

Yes, watching and controlling the Mac screen live is part of MacSway Pro. The trackpad, keyboard and volume are free.

Is any part of MacSway free?

Yes, the MacSway trackpad, keyboard and volume control are free, on the same Wi-Fi, with no MacSway account. Pro costs $3.99 a month, $24.99 a year or $49 once in the US.

Do I need a MacSway account to use MacSway?

No, MacSway uses no account and no cloud service. Pairing uses a six-digit code, and the connection is direct and encrypted with TLS 1.3.

Does MacSway work away from home?

Yes, MacSway Pro reaches the Mac over your own Tailscale network from another network. Install Tailscale on both devices, and keep the Mac on and plugged in.

Control your Mac
from your iPhone.

Install the Mac app and the iPhone app, pair with a six-digit code, and start.