iphone-use

iphone-use is an open-source device tool that lets AI agents see and operate a real physical iPhone.

iphone-use lets AI agents and browsers view and control a real physical iPhone connected via USB to a macOS host. A daemon runs an XCTest-based device runner that reads screen content as text, performs taps, swipes, and types, and provides honest feedback on action outcomes. It supports apps without APIs and apps that hide screens from capture. The software exposes an HTTP API for scripts, an MCP server with 23 tools for clients like Claude Code and Claude Desktop, and a web page or native iOS app for human users. Users can also record repetitive tasks as model-free replay flows and publish them to a public registry.

iphone-use at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: macOS, iOS, API, Web, open source
Pricing: Free
Released: October 2026
Category: AI agent tool
Website: github.com/leeguooooo/iphone-use

Key features

Read screen content as text
Tap, swipe, and type on real iPhones
Provide HTTP API for agents and scripts
Run MCP server with 23 tools
Record tasks as model-free replay flows
Operate apps without APIs and hidden screens
Report unapplied actions and retry status

Use it for

Automate tasks across mobile apps without APIs
Test applications on physical iPhones using AI agents
Record and replay repetitive mobile workflows
Control iOS devices via HTTP and MCP clients

Alternatives to iphone-use

Esp32 Iphone Agent — It uses standard AirPlay and a USB mouse bridge, requiring no Mac, jailbreak, or developer account.
Simulator Use — It runs tests and reads screens fast with a token-efficient native engine.
Phone Harness — Connects Claude Code or Codex to real iOS and Android devices.
agent-device — Token-efficient snapshots and semantic references for native mobile and TV apps.
sim-use — Provides token-efficient screen outlines and alias-cached taps for fast agent loops.
CallMeMCP — It connects running artificial intelligence agents directly to phone calls.
Mobilerun — Control real mobile devices and automate tasks with any large language model.
PhoneClaw — It executes AI agent tasks and system tool calls entirely on-device.
Mobile MCP — Connects AI agents directly to real mobile devices for automated testing and tasks.
Offscreen — Runs agent tasks in fresh VMs so your desktop stays free for your own work.
Monish — Sends live agent progress, completion pings, and approval requests directly to the iPhone lock screen.
Composio — Equips AI agents with tools, managed user auth, and sandboxes across 1,500+ apps

All iphone-use alternatives