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Tracked since2026
0 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
Free and forever free—no subscription or in-app purchases
Biggest con
Requires recent versions of iOS and macOS; older iPhones and Macs are not supported
TL;DR - PhoneDeck
- Turns any iPhone (XS or newer running iOS 17+) into a wireless Mac controller with customizable tile pages.
- Connects over local Wi-Fi only, uses Apple's Multipeer Connectivity—no internet, accounts, or data collection.
- Completely free with no subscription; pro features planned but core stays free.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
What is PhoneDeck?
PhoneDeck is a free, open-concept two-app system (macOS + iOS) that transforms any iPhone into a wireless, customizable controller for your Mac. The macOS app acts as a command center where you organize apps, system controls, and shortcuts into pages. The iPhone app mirrors those pages as swipeable tile screens. Tap a tile to instantly launch an app, adjust brightness or volume, or trigger any macOS shortcut—all without touching your Mac's keyboard or mouse.
Built for focus, the tool eliminates the need for a dedicated hardware StreamDeck. It connects automatically over local Wi-Fi using Apple's Multipeer Connectivity (the same tech as AirDrop) with zero configuration, no accounts, and no telemetry. Your data never leaves your home network. Designed for developers, creators, and productivity enthusiasts who want a clean desk and uninterrupted workflow.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and forever free—no subscription or in-app purchases
- Repurposes an old iPhone, saving money on a dedicated StreamDeck device
- Zero setup: automatic discovery over Wi-Fi, no accounts or sign-ups
Cons
- Requires recent versions of iOS and macOS; older iPhones and Macs are not supported
- Only works on the same local Wi-Fi network; no remote control over the internet
Key Features
Unlimited customizable pages with drag-and-drop tile organizationTap tiles to launch any Mac app instantlySystem controls: brightness, volume, keyboard backlight, media playback, dictation, and screenshotPhone screen rotates when laid flat for comfortable desk useAutomatic reconnection every time the Mac wakes from sleepLive preview of the iPhone screen inside the Mac appRequires only one-time Accessibility permission on Mac; no pairing codesPrivacy-first: everything stays on local network, no external servers or telemetry
Pricing
Free
PhoneDeck is completely free to use with no hidden costs.
Reviews
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PhoneDeck FAQ
How does PhoneDeck help developers maintain focus during coding sessions?
PhoneDeck lets developers launch apps, adjust system controls, and trigger macOS shortcuts by tapping tiles on their iPhone, eliminating the need to reach for the Mac's keyboard or mouse. This keeps hands on the primary input device and reduces context switching, supporting an uninterrupted workflow. The tool is built for focus and designed for developers, creators, and productivity enthusiasts.
Which network requirement limits PhoneDeck's use to a single location?
PhoneDeck only works over the same local Wi-Fi network, so both the iPhone and Mac must be connected to the same home or office network. It does not support remote control over the internet, which restricts its use to a single physical location. This limitation stems from its use of Apple's Multipeer Connectivity for automatic discovery.
What kind of user benefits most from PhoneDeck's design?
PhoneDeck is designed for developers, creators, and productivity enthusiasts who want a clean desk and an uninterrupted workflow. These users benefit from repurposing an old iPhone as a wireless controller, eliminating the need for a dedicated hardware StreamDeck. The tool's zero-configuration setup and focus on local control align with users who value simplicity and privacy.
How is PhoneDeck priced for long-term use?
PhoneDeck is free to use with no paid plan required, and it is described as forever free with no subscription or in-app purchases. There are no hidden costs, making it a cost-effective solution for anyone with a compatible iPhone and Mac. This pricing model allows users to adopt the tool without any financial commitment.
Can PhoneDeck control system settings like brightness and volume without additional configuration?
Yes, PhoneDeck includes tiles that can adjust brightness and volume directly from the iPhone without any extra setup. The macOS app lets users organize these system controls into pages, and tapping the corresponding tile on the iPhone instantly changes the setting. This works out of the box thanks to the automatic discovery and zero-configuration connection.
How does PhoneDeck connect the iPhone to the Mac without requiring an account or sign-up?
PhoneDeck uses Apple's Multipeer Connectivity, the same technology behind AirDrop, to automatically discover and connect the iPhone and Mac over local Wi-Fi. No accounts, sign-ups, or telemetry are required, and data never leaves the home network. This makes the connection immediate and privacy-focused.
Does PhoneDeck allow users to create custom pages of controls on their iPhone?
Yes, the macOS app acts as a command center where users organize apps, system controls, and shortcuts into pages, and the iPhone app mirrors those pages as swipeable tile screens. Users can customize the layout and content of these pages to fit their workflow. Tapping a tile instantly executes the assigned action on the Mac.
How does PhoneDeck eliminate the need for a dedicated hardware StreamDeck?
PhoneDeck transforms any iPhone into a wireless, customizable controller for the Mac, allowing users to repurpose an old iPhone instead of buying a dedicated StreamDeck device. It provides the same tile-based control for launching apps, adjusting settings, and triggering shortcuts, all without additional hardware cost. The tool is free and requires no subscription, further reducing the incentive to purchase a separate device.
Source: phonedeck.io