I think WebRTC is better than SSH-ing for connecting to Mac terminal from iPhone
Macky introduces a WebRTC-based solution for connecting to a Mac terminal from an iPhone, aiming for simpler setup than traditional SSH/VPN. This app promises E2E encryption and blind signaling, potentially bypassing restrictive network firewalls. Hacker News users are debating its necessity, security implications, and value proposition compared to battle-tested, often free, alternatives.
The Lowdown
Macky is a newly developed tool that facilitates connecting to a Mac terminal directly from an iPhone, leveraging WebRTC technology. The creator highlights the ease of setup, bypassing the complexity often associated with VPNs or dedicated SSH clients.
- Core Functionality: Establishes a direct, peer-to-peer WebRTC connection between an iPhone and a Mac for terminal access.
- Security Measures: Features end-to-end encryption via DTLS-SRTP tunneling, a dual-layer identity verification process, device allow-listing, and "blind signaling" where the central server only coordinates the handshake without touching terminal data.
- Simplification: Aims to offer a streamlined experience, avoiding the need for manual VPN configurations or purchasing separate SSH applications.
- Pricing Structure: Offers a basic free tier with limitations (5-minute sessions, single Mac/iPhone) and a "Pro" lifetime license for $29, providing unlimited access and additional features.
- Use Cases: Pitched for on-the-go access, including novel applications like "Claude Code" from a phone.
Macky positions itself as a modern, secure, and user-friendly alternative for mobile terminal access, capitalizing on WebRTC's capabilities to offer convenience.
The Gossip
Tooling Tussle
The discussion heavily weighs Macky against existing, well-established tools for remote terminal access. Many commenters question its value proposition when alternatives like Tailscale + Mosh, SSH, or Shell In A Box are available, often for free or with perceived higher security. While critics point to Macky's steep pricing for a tech-savvy audience, some acknowledge WebRTC's specific advantage in highly restricted corporate network environments where VPNs or UDP traffic might be blocked.
Security Scrutiny
Concerns were raised regarding the security model, particularly for a closed-source application handling "keys to the kingdom" access. Users questioned the trustworthiness of an unknown developer's claims of "blind signaling" and E2E encryption compared to the open and audited nature of OpenSSH. The lack of transparency in the security-critical code implementation was a significant point of skepticism.
Mobile Morass
A recurring theme was the practical utility and user experience of using a phone for terminal access. Commenters debated whether connecting to a Mac terminal from an iPhone is genuinely useful beyond niche or emergency scenarios, citing limitations like the small screen, awkward keyboard input, and the poor experience with TUI applications. Some users, however, found it valuable for specific, low-typing tasks like running scripts or performing quick server checks.