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Macky

Connect to your Mac terminal from iPhone

2026-02-21

Product Introduction

  1. Definition: Macky is a remote terminal access application (technical category: cross-platform CLI tool) enabling iPhone users to securely connect to their macOS terminal via iOS.
  2. Core Value Proposition: Macky solves the critical need for on-the-go terminal access, allowing developers and sysadmins to execute shell commands, debug code, or manage servers remotely from iOS devices—prioritizing end-to-end encryption and zero-trust security.

Main Features

  1. Native Shell Integration:
    • Directly accesses macOS shells (Zsh/Bash) via a WebRTC tunnel. AI-powered coding assistance integrates Claude Code (Anthropic) and Codex (OpenAI) for real-time command suggestions and error resolution.
  2. Defense-in-Depth Security:
    • Transport Layer: Uses DTLS-SRTP protocols for end-to-end encrypted WebRTC connections, making terminal data invisible to networks.
    • Verification: Dual-layer identity checks—signaling servers validate tokens, while a unique Master Password prevents unauthorized terminal access even during account breaches.
    • Authorization: Device allow-listing mandates host approval for each device ID, blocking unrecognized devices.
    • Privacy: Blind signaling servers coordinate handshakes only; terminal data never touches Macky’s cloud infrastructure.
  3. Pro Session Management:
    • Unlimited sessions, background connectivity for persistent tasks, and 30-day encrypted connection logs for auditing.

Problems Solved

  1. Pain Point: Inability to perform urgent terminal tasks (e.g., server fixes, script monitoring) away from a Mac. Macky eliminates location constraints with secure remote shell access.
  2. Target Audience:
    • DevOps engineers managing cloud infrastructure.
    • Full-stack developers debugging production environments.
    • Sysadmins requiring emergency access to macOS servers.
  3. Use Cases:
    • Restarting crashed services via iPhone during travel.
    • Running deployment scripts from mobile devices.
    • Auditing server logs remotely during outages.

Unique Advantages

  1. Differentiation: Unlike SSH clients (e.g., Termius) or VNC tools, Macky combines native shell integration, AI-assisted coding, and hardened security layers without requiring complex firewall configurations.
  2. Key Innovation: Proprietary "Blind Signaling" architecture—servers never process terminal data, reducing attack surfaces while enabling seamless device handshakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Is Macky compatible with older macOS versions?
    No—Macky requires macOS 15+ and iOS 18+ due to WebRTC security enhancements and sandboxing protocols.
  2. How does Macky prevent session hijacking?
    Device allow-listing and Master Password requirements ensure compromised accounts can’t access terminals without physical device authorization.
  3. Can Macky replace VPNs for terminal access?
    Yes—its end-to-end WebRTC encryption provides comparable security to VPNs for CLI tasks without network-wide tunneling overhead.
  4. What happens if my iPhone disconnects mid-session?
    Pro users retain session logs for 30 days; Basic sessions auto-terminate after 5 minutes, requiring re-authentication.
  5. Does Macky support multiple Mac hosts?
    Basic tier allows 1 Mac host; Pro tier enables unlimited hosts and devices for enterprise-scale management.

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