Port22

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Port22 is a macOS and iOS companion application that functions as a remote monitoring and control interface for AI-powered coding agents (like Claude Code, Codex, and OpenCode) running in a local terminal. It is a system-level utility that attaches to existing terminal sessions.
2. Core Value Proposition: It exists to solve the problem of agentic AI coding workflows being tethered to the developer's desk. Port22 untethers the developer by providing real-time, secure remote oversight and approval for long-running AI coding agent sessions directly from an iPhone, eliminating productivity-killing wait states.

Main Features

1. Non-Invasive Session Attachment: Port22 does not act as a wrapper or require launching your AI agent through it. Its Mac binary passively monitors and attaches to existing terminal sessions (TTY/PTY) where agents like Claude Code are already running. This ensures zero interference with the agent's native functionality and environment.
2. Real-Time, Bi-Directional Stream: The core technology establishes a live, streaming connection between the Mac terminal session and the iPhone app. Every token of the AI agent's output (thoughts, code edits, command executions) is streamed in real-time to the phone. Crucially, it also streams control inputs back, allowing users to tap approval options directly on their phone, which are injected as keystrokes into the live terminal session.
3. Hybrid LAN & E2E Encrypted Relay Network: The system is architected for seamless mobility. On a local network, it uses a direct LAN connection for minimal latency. When remote, it automatically fails over to an end-to-end encrypted relay. The relay forwards encrypted payloads but never holds the decryption keys, which are managed locally via the user's iCloud keychain. This ensures code privacy is maintained.
4. Zero-Config Pairing via iCloud: Leveraging the Apple ecosystem, pairing uses the user's existing Apple ID. When signed into the same account, the Mac and iPhone devices discover each other automatically via iCloud's secure device discovery services, eliminating the need for manual IP entry, QR codes, or a separate Port22 user account.
5. Persistent, Glanceable System Integration (iOS): The iOS app provides deep system integration for constant awareness. It delivers push notifications the moment an agent finishes a task or requires approval. It also provides a live agent count in the iPhone's Dynamic Island and a full session roster on the Lock Screen widget, enabling status checks without unlocking the phone.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: The "Approval Bottleneck" in AI-assisted coding. Developers start a complex, multi-step agent task and must remain physically present at their computer to approve each step (e.g., file writes, shell commands). If they step away, the agent halts, wasting compute time and developer productivity.
2. Target Audience: The primary personas are software engineers, DevOps professionals, and technical founders who actively use CLI-based AI coding agents (Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode) for tasks like code refactoring, feature implementation, or debugging. They are macOS users with iPhones who value deep workflow integration and mobility.
3. Use Cases:
   • Approving Agent Work Remotely: Giving final approval for a major refactor while in a meeting or away from your desk.
   • Monitoring Long-Running Tasks: Watching the live transcript of a complex, multi-file code generation session from your phone while taking a break.
   • Context Switching Without Interruption: Starting an agent to fix a bug, then switching to a different task on another machine while still maintaining oversight and control via your phone.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike IDE plugins or terminal emulators with built-in agent features (e.g., Warp), Port22 is agent-agnostic and terminal-agnostic (supporting standard terminals like WezTerm, kitty, and tmux). It does not lock you into a specific editor or require you to change your primary development environment. Its "attach, don't wrap" philosophy is a key differentiator.
2. Key Innovation: The combination of zero-config, secure device pairing via iCloud and a hybrid LAN/E2E-encrypted relay network is its core technical innovation. This creates a frictionless, secure, and reliable remote connection specifically tailored for the Apple ecosystem, removing the traditional networking hurdles (firewalls, dynamic IPs) associated with similar remote tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Port22 store or have access to my source code? No. Port22 acts as a secure pipe. On the Mac, it reads the terminal's output stream. All data is end-to-end encrypted between your Mac and your iPhone. The optional relay service only handles encrypted data it cannot decrypt. Port22's servers do not store your code.
2. Can I use Port22 with AI coding agents inside Docker containers or VS Code's terminal? It attaches to terminal sessions (TTYs). If your Docker container provides a TTY to the host or if VS Code's integrated terminal uses a standard pseudoterminal (PTY) that Port22 can hook into, it may work. However, support is officially listed for standard terminal emulators and tmux, not IDE-built-in terminals.
3. What happens if my iPhone loses internet connectivity while monitoring a session? The live stream to your phone will be interrupted. However, the AI agent session on your Mac continues running unimpeded. Once your phone reconnects (to the LAN or via cellular), the Port22 app should re-establish the stream and sync the current state of the terminal session.
4. Is Port22 compatible with the free version of Claude Code or other free AI coding assistants? Yes, compatibility is based on the agent's CLI interface and terminal interaction, not its pricing tier. If the agent runs in a supported terminal and requires interactive approval via keystrokes (like y/n), Port22 can attach to and control it, regardless of whether the agent itself is free or paid.
5. How does the pricing model work after the beta? According to the product page, the plan is a freemium model. It will be "free forever for 1 Mac and 2 concurrent agent sessions." A paid tier (suggested at $19.99/year) is indicated for users requiring unlimited concurrent sessions on their Mac.