The hack depends on an exploit that tips the iPhone’s working system into considering it’s operating on an iPad. That unlocks smallish tweaks equivalent to a panorama Dwelling Display screen, an iPad-style app switcher, and extra Dock gadgets. But it surely additionally gives transformative modifications equivalent to operating desktop-grade apps that aren’t accessible for iPhone, full windowed multitasking, and optimum exterior show help. All with out Apple Silicon breaking a sweat.
Deskblocked
The exploit is already patched within the iOS 26.2 beta, and the Redditor accused Apple of locking out iPhone customers and artificially limiting older units to push upgrades. However are issues actually that easy?
It’s not just like the “telephone as PC” dream is new. Android’s been chasing it since DeX debuted in 2017. Barely anybody cares. So why ought to Apple? Maybe the idea is a distinct segment nerd fantasy. And there’s the longtime argument that if you wish to do “correct” work, you want a “correct” pc. If even an iPad can’t change a pc, how can an iPhone?
Besides, as WIRED demonstrated, an iPad can change a pc for loads of folks—you simply want the best equipment. It subsequently follows the identical is true for an iPhone operating the very same software program. However the place will any momentum for this future come from?
Android 16 is technically prepared for an additional crack at desktop mode, with a brand new system that builds on DeX. However even now, having lastly escaped beta, it’s buried in developer settings. That is likely to be right down to the grim state of big-screen Android apps, or the desktop expertise itself feeling, politely, “rocky.”
Paradoxically, Apple seems to be additional forward regardless of by no means saying any of this. It already has a deep ecosystem of desktop-grade iPad apps. And the iPad options operating on iPhone already look polished. Positive, some interface quirks stay, and also you may must file your fingers to a degree to hit window controls. However the efficiency is quick, fluid, and snappy. So if the expertise is that this good, why is Apple so decided to cover it?
Revenue by Design
One argument is sensible. Apple likes every machine to be its personal factor, optimized for a particular type issue. It’s eager to finesse the transition between platforms moderately than have one machine to rule all of them. A telephone lacks a giant display screen and a bodily keyboard. Plugging these issues in on a practice isn’t as elegant as opening a MacBook or utilizing an iPad linked to a Magic Keyboard. Nonetheless, with creativeness, you may see the outlines of a brand new ecosystem of worthwhile equipment for a extra succesful iPhone.
