Overview of iPhone Mirroring on macOS Sequoia
Apple’s latest update, iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, introduces a highly anticipated iPhone Mirroring feature. This functionality allows users to control and manage their iPhones directly from their Mac screen—opening up possibilities for multitasking and improving workflow. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use this feature, its prerequisites, and step-by-step instructions for enabling and managing iPhone Mirroring.
Key Prerequisites for Using iPhone Mirroring
Before diving into iPhone Mirroring, ensure your devices meet the following requirements:
- iPhone running iOS 18.
- Mac with macOS Sequoia and either an Apple Silicon chip or T2 Security chip.
- Both devices must be signed into the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi should be enabled on both devices.
- Proximity: The iPhone and Mac must be close to each other.
- The iPhone must be locked during mirroring.
How to Enable iPhone Mirroring on macOS Sequoia
Follow these simple steps to get your iPhone screen on your Mac:
1. Install iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia
Ensure your devices are updated to the latest versions of iOS and macOS. Without these updates, the feature won’t be available.
2. Open iPhone Mirroring
- After installing macOS Sequoia, locate the iPhone Mirroring icon in the Mac’s Dock.
- If it’s not visible, go to Finder > Applications, press Command + Shift + Period (.) to unhide the app.
- Click on the iPhone Mirroring icon.
3. Authenticate Your Devices
- Unlock your iPhone, then click Get Started on your Mac.
- On your Mac, you may need to authenticate using Touch ID or a password for security purposes.
- For future sessions, you can select either Ask Every Time or Authenticate Automatically.
How to Use iPhone Mirroring on macOS Sequoia
Once iPhone Mirroring is enabled, you can interact with your iPhone’s screen directly from your Mac’s display. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do:
Navigating the iPhone Interface
You can use your Mac’s trackpad or mouse to:
- Swipe left or right to navigate your iPhone’s Home Screen.
- Access the App Switcher using a dedicated button.
- Use keyboard shortcuts like Command + 1 for the Home Screen and Command + 2 for the App Switcher.
Interacting with Notifications
- iPhone notifications will appear in your Mac’s Notification Center with a small phone icon to distinguish them from Mac notifications.
- Click on any notification, and the relevant iPhone app will open on your Mac.
Table: Keyboard Shortcuts for iPhone Mirroring
| Action | Keyboard Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Access Home Screen | Command + 1 |
| Open App Switcher | Command + 2 |
| Use Spotlight Search | Command + 3 |
Typing on iPhone from Mac
You can use your Mac’s keyboard to type in iPhone apps, whether it’s composing messages, emails, or creating notes. This makes it easy to work on longer texts from your Mac, while still using iPhone apps.
Limitations of iPhone Mirroring
While the iPhone Mirroring feature is powerful, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- No access to the Notification Center or Control Center on iPhone.
- DRM-restricted apps, like Netflix and Hulu, may not display content.
- AirPlay and Sidecar cannot be used simultaneously with iPhone Mirroring.
- You cannot access the iPhone Camera or Microphone from the Mac while mirroring.
Future Enhancements: Drag-and-Drop Functionality
Apple has announced that drag-and-drop functionality between iPhone and Mac will be added later this year. This means you’ll soon be able to move photos, videos, and files seamlessly between devices.
How to Stop iPhone Mirroring
To stop mirroring your iPhone to your Mac:
- Click on the iPhone Mirroring icon in the top Menu bar.
- Select Quit iPhone Mirroring.
Alternatively, unlocking your iPhone will automatically stop the mirroring session.
Switching Between iPhones for Mirroring
If you have multiple iPhones signed in with the same Apple ID, you can switch between them:
- Go to System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Widgets Section on your Mac.
- Choose the iPhone you wish to mirror from the drop-down menu.
Also Read : ChatGPT Desktop App Receives a Major Upgrade
Privacy and Security in iPhone Mirroring
Apple ensures that iPhone Mirroring is secure by requiring both devices to use the same Apple ID and two-factor authentication. The iPhone remains locked during the session, and only authorized users can control it.
- When the session starts, a message appears on your iPhone saying “iPhone in Use”.
- To protect your privacy, you can remove your Mac from the list of devices allowed to mirror your iPhone:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Go to AirPlay & Continuity > iPhone Mirroring.
- Swipe left on the Mac’s name and select Delete.
Conclusion
The iPhone Mirroring feature in iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia is a game-changer for Apple users, enhancing productivity by allowing seamless interaction between iPhone apps and the Mac’s interface. With upcoming features like drag-and-drop, this tool will only become more valuable.
Have you tried iPhone Mirroring yet? Let us know in the comments below!
