One of the standout features of the Apple ecosystem is its Continuity, with iPhone Mirroring being a fantastic tool that allows users to not only project their iPhone onto a Mac but also gain complete control over it.
As a passionate user of this feature, I find it essential for my daily routine, although I do wish Apple would improve a few aspects …
iPhone Mirroring
The iPhone Mirroring feature was initially introduced to beta testers in June as part of the second beta of iOS 18 and macOS 10.15 Sequoia.
We offered an in-depth overview at that time.
I actively test iOS betas on my iPhone, but I tend to stay away from macOS betas since my Mac is central to my daily tasks. Thus, I waited for the stable release to access this feature.
I’m a Mac-first user
While it may sound peculiar, I identify strongly as a Mac-first user. When faced with the option to perform the same task on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, my MacBook is invariably my preferred choice. I primarily utilize my iPhone for simple tasks on the go and as a camera.
My inclination towards using a Mac stems from multiple reasons that can be summed up as convenience and efficiency. Typing is more straightforward, the larger display provides more usability, and for tasks that necessitate running several apps concurrently, the Mac interface is notably more efficient.
Additionally, working from home means I’m often in front of my Mac throughout the day. This creates a loop: since I favor my Mac, I keep it nearby in the living room, making it just as easy to grab my MacBook as it is to use my iPhone during non-work hours.
Hence, I relish iPhone mirroring
My preference for the Mac means that iPhone Mirroring has essentially become my main method of interacting with my iPhone at home.
This tool provides many of the benefits akin to traditional Mac usage. It allows me to type with a full-sized physical keyboard, the virtual screen (set to a larger size) is better than the iPhone screen, and multitasking is simplified.
Moreover, it enables me to access mobile-exclusive applications on my Mac. While these are limited, apps like Oura (the web version is inadequate) benefit greatly from being used on a Mac.
Nonetheless, I would love to see three enhancements …
Three improvements I’d like for iPhone Mirroring
Eliminate the time-out
The first issue is that iPhone Mirroring has a tendency to time out quite aggressively. If left unused for a few minutes, it requires reconnection. Although it only takes one click to reconnect, it still feels like a minor nuisance.
I’m unclear why a time-out feature is necessary at all. While it may be a privacy precaution in case I step away from my Mac, leaving it unlocked poses a greater concern than my iPhone.
I’d like to see this time-out as an adjustable setting, where users can determine the duration or opt for no time-out at all.
Eliminate duplicated notifications
I limit notifications on my iPhone; however, those I do allow show up twice during iPhone Mirroring—once on the Mac and once on the iPhone.
While it may not be a major issue, it can be slightly frustrating, and it disrupts my desire for a seamless UX. It strikes me as odd that this wasn’t addressed during initial testing.
Enable Touch ID authentication
Certain applications on the iPhone require authentication via Face ID. Unfortunately, you cannot use biometric authentication to log into an iPhone app while using iPhone Mirroring. This limitation excludes access to specific apps, such as those for banking.
This seems like an easy fix. If an application demands Face ID, I should be able to use Touch ID on the Mac as an alternative.
*Or perhaps some apps do allow this? I might be mistaken, but I have a vague recollection of having accomplished this with a few apps, though I can’t replicate it now.
What’s your feedback?
What has your experience been with iPhone Mirroring? How do you utilize it, and are there any changes you’d like to see? Please feel free to share your insights in the comments.
Image: Apple and Jeff Benjamin/DMN
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