Is anyone getting any use out of iPhone Mirroring?

[Rod]

I have found one really handy use for it on these and other forums. Rather than take a screen shot on my iPhone, (anyone who knows me knows I post a lot of screen shots in my posts), and wait for it to appear in my Photos Library then drag a copy to my desktop to attach as a file. I just go to the appropriate screen I want to add, lock my iPhone then open iPhone Mirroring. Then I use Command + Shift + 5 to take a screen shot of my iPhone screen. Screen shots automatically load on my Desktop so, easy to attach to a post AND I don't end up with a bunch of screen shots in my Photos Library that later need to be deleted. On top of that I can do sequential shots of my iPhone screen from one page to the next like Settings > My Account > iCloud > Storage > Change Plan. Not that everybody needs that level of visual instruction but sometimes it's a help.

So I'd be interested how if at all others use this new feature?

eg;

 

[IWT]

Great idea, Rod.

I admit openly, that I've yet to find a need for iPhone Mirroring. For me, at least, I can't see a need for this function. I did check it out and it "worked" in that I got the Mirror image on my Desktop.

Maybe I need to read around this and perhaps learn from others the benefits which I currently don't appreciate.

Ian

 

[Jimmysb]

Agreed, a great idea, but I too have not found a use for mirroring.

 

[toMACsh]

Nope. I was wondering about removing it from my Dock.

 

[rbpeirce]

I find it much easier to adjust music volume with this tool.

 

[ferrarr]

I've only used it a few times, but I did use it the same way you have, Rod. I was using Apple Support to solve an issue, and took a screenshot on my MBP of my iPhone screen to show them the issue.

 

[Rod]

I find it much easier to adjust music volume with this tool.

That's something I haven't tried but I have to admit I agree with the general consensus, there's not much use for it.
Apple must have had something in mind when they introduced it. I'll do a bit of research an report back.

 

[Rod]

Well, using AI search in Brave is an easy way to get a summary of uses for iPhone Mirroring;

Uses for iPhone Mirroring​

"iPhone Mirroring offers several practical uses for users. It allows you to control your iPhone from your Mac, making it easier to perform tasks without having to physically handle your phone. For instance, you can use a mouse or trackpad to interact with your iPhone, which can be more convenient than using your fingers, especially for tasks like posting on social media or creating screenshots.

Another useful feature is the ability to drag and drop files between your Mac and iPhone, streamlining file management and transfer processes. This can be particularly helpful when you need quick access to files or when you want to avoid the hassle of using AirDrop.

Additionally, iPhone Mirroring can enhance security and convenience when accessing sensitive apps. For example, you can use secure banking apps or investment apps on your Mac via iPhone Mirroring, which might be more secure and convenient than using a web browser on your Mac.

Furthermore, iPhone Mirroring can be beneficial for users who prefer the full-featured mobile app versions of services over their web counterparts. Apps like Instagram often have more features in their native app form, and iPhone Mirroring allows you to access these features on your Mac.

Lastly, iPhone Mirroring can be useful for managing notifications. You can receive and manage iPhone notifications directly on your Mac, ensuring you don't miss important alerts even when your phone is nearby or charging.

Overall, iPhone Mirroring enhances the user experience by providing a seamless way to extend iPhone functionality to a Mac, making it a versatile tool for both productivity and convenience."
AI-generated answer. Please verify critical facts.

Further to the above there is this article from Jeff Carlson which although a bit dated expands on some of the points above. New Drag and Drop Is Just One of Several Real-World Reasons to Use iPhone Mirroring on Your Mac

I have used it to deal with Notifications from my iPhone on occasion. I now get iPhone Notifications on my MBP, clicking on them launches iPhone Mirroring which is fine when the iPhone is in range, and just plain annoying when it's not.

I get the idea of using iPhone apps on the Mac as opposed to loading the iPhone app onto my MBP something I don't do as a rule anyway, and yes, there are iPhone apps that are not available on macOS but usually the web interface is fine for my purposes. For example my Australian bank apps actually have more features on their web page than the iOS app. As for Instagram (one of the examples) I don't use it.
Generally I have tried to limit myself to apps that have cross platform applications. Thats why I use Spark instead of BlueMail which is a great app but has no macOS equivalent.

Most of the things I might use Drag & Drop for are already synced to all my devices such as Notes, and the contents of the iOS Files app which are all found in iCloud Drive on my MBP.

So, to sum up, I guess it depends on your work flow habits a bit and maybe I hate to say it, you're age; most of us have already found viable techniques to fill any shortfall between iPhone and macOS capabilities whereas younger/newer users may not.

What I would say though is Drag & Drop from iPhone Mirroring is better and faster than AirDrop but only works for my own iPhone to MBP.
For sharing contact information from one iPhone user to another the newish touch the two iPhones together at the top is visually very cool and works a heck of a lot better than hand writing or Airdrop I use it more and more.

 

[Sawday]

I have found iPhone Mirroring very useful and use it almost daily.
1. Quicker to copy photos from phone to iMac than Airdrop as you can save then directly into whatever folder you want them to be in.
2. Sending messages (from whatever app) easier to key using iMac keyboard than on phone.
3. Easier to control the two remote heating apps that I use for home and our village hall from the iMac than the phone directly.

 

[IWT]

Some interesting suggestions @Sawday. Thank you of that.

As regards your (2): almost all messaging apps on an iPhone can be linked to a Mac and typed from there, so, in a way, Mirroring is less relevant.

Again thanks.

Ian

 

[Sawday]

Ian. Just to add to your point about messaging apps on Mac. Although texts on iPhone (or mirrored on iMac) get through to all recipients whether they have an iPhone or other mobile, I find that the Mac message app throws up 'Not Delivered' messages when recipient is using something other than an iPhone.