Panelift
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Get the beta

Two apps. One pairing.

One goes on the device you're taking. The Mac app goes on the computer you're leaving behind, and it's free. Everything's free during the beta.

Panelift is made by Antler Digital. macOS will ask for Screen Recording so it can show your windows, and Accessibility so your taps and typing can reach them.

1. Panelift for iPhone and iPad

iOS or iPadOS 26 or later. In beta on TestFlight.

The public invite isn't open yet. The link will go here when it is.

2. Panelift for Mac

Signed and notarised disk image. macOS 26 or later, Apple silicon or Intel. It lives in your menu bar.

Download for MacSend the Mac link to yourself

Four steps

  1. Install the iPhone or iPad app

    TestFlight first, then Panelift.

  2. Install the Mac app

    Drag Panelift to Applications and open it. macOS will ask for two permissions.

    • Screen Recording, so Panelift can show your windows.
    • Accessibility, so your taps and typing can reach them.

    If you've already allowed one and it's not taking effect, Panelift offers Quit & Reopen. macOS sometimes wants that.

  3. Pair

    Open the app on your device and tap Connect a Mac. On the Mac, choose Pair New Device. Scan the QR code, or type the 6-digit code. Codes last two minutes. Then approve your device on the Mac. Nothing pairs without that.

    Use the QR code if you can. How it connects explains why.

  4. Open a window

    Your Mac's windows appear, most recent first. Tap one.

Windows tab on an upright iPad, listing open Mac windows, most recent first, with a tap marked on the first
Desktop tab on an upright iPad, with a card for each Mac display
What you'll see at the end of step 4, with your windows instead of these.

The Mac has to be ready for you to be gone

  • In Panelift's settings, turn on Open Panelift at login.
  • Turn on Keep this Mac awake while sharing.This stops idle sleep. A closed MacBook lid usually sleeps the Mac anyway.
  • Stop the Mac locking itself.Locking ends your session and Panelift can't unlock it. Check screen lock and screen saver settings. Weigh this up, because the Mac stays unlocked wherever you've left it.
  • Test it over your phone's hotspot.Turn off Wi-Fi on your device and connect. Do this at home, not at the gate.
  • Open the windows you'll want.macOS doesn't list minimised windows or those on other Spaces.
  • Plan for a restart.After a power cut or an update, someone needs to log in before Panelift can start. There's no way to do it remotely.

What you need

DeviceNeeds
Mac (the host)macOS 26 or later, Apple silicon or Intel. Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions. On, awake, logged in, unlocked and online while you use it
iPhoneiOS 26 or later
iPad, iPad miniiPadOS 26 or later
NetworkThe same Wi-Fi, or the internet over Wi-Fi, mobile data or a hotspot. No VPN and no manual port forwarding. Your devices must be able to reach each other directly

Bonus: The Mac app can also control another Mac. It's in the menu bar: Control a Mac….

Something not working?

Most trouble is a permission on the Mac or a network that blocks direct connections.

How it connectsFAQ