Mermaid

Mermaid is an artificial intelligence agent that connects a phone to a Mac to execute tasks remotely.

Mermaid is an artificial intelligence agent for macOS that allows users to send instructions from an iPhone and have tasks executed directly on a Mac from anywhere. Users can text requests to the Mac, watch actions live, and approve consequential steps such as sending messages or deleting files before execution. The software works with native applications already installed on the computer, including Safari, Chrome, Notes, Mail, Messages, Visual Studio Code, WhatsApp, Finder, and Claude. It requires a Mac with Apple silicon or Intel running macOS 14 or later, and an iPhone running iOS 17 or later signed into the same account. It also includes Live Screen and Take Over features that do not consume AI usage allowances.

Mermaid at a glance

Best for: Founder, Software engineer, Product manager
Runs on: macOS, iOS
Pricing: Free during the beta with an AI usage allowance.
Released: October 2026
Category: AI productivity tool
Website: addmermaid.com

Key features

Executes tasks on a Mac via text messages from a phone
Integrates with existing Mac applications like Notes and Safari
Requires approval before performing consequential actions
Provides live screen viewing and take over capabilities
Connects over Wi-Fi or mobile data after initial pairing
Allows users to stop processes at any time

Use it for

Create notes and packing lists remotely
Automate workflows across Mac applications
Manage computer tasks from a mobile phone

Alternatives to Mermaid

Ida — Controls your Mac and apps using voice or text commands with one key.
Udon — Manages your files and apps locally with an optional AI sysadmin.
Strawberry 1.0 — It acts as a shared workspace giving AI access to any website.
Halo — It adds a dynamic island and external monitor controls to any Mac.
Koi — Dictates offline in 100 languages with an all-in-one Mac tool.
Aura by Neural — Creates dynamic on-screen interfaces and executes tasks across desktop apps.
bytemail — Connects directly to email providers without using intermediary servers.
SupaYatta — Tracks Claude Code, Cowork, and Codex sessions in the Mac notch with instant alerts.
Macaroni — Tracks folder changes made by AI agents without writing to files.
Sugabots — Run agents on any model with local data storage and team collaboration.
Kaiku — Wire-level MCP compatibility lets existing AI agents work without custom bridges.
Curier — Keeps all mail data locally on the Mac with no intermediate servers.

All Mermaid alternatives