Could Your iPhone Soon Replace Your Laptop?

Rumor has it that iPadOS 19 will include new features that improve its capability to function more like a laptop. This is excellent news for everyone, especially frequent travelers who want to pack light while maintaining the same levels of productivity. What if the same were true with the iPhone? Are there similar features on the way that could make your iPhone function like a Mac by simply connecting a keyboard and mouse? Maybe!

Back in 2017, Samsung introduced a feature called DeX (“Desktop eXperience”) for higher end smartphones. Originally, DeX required a special docking station. In 2018, DeX launched the DeX PAD which included a USB-C port, HDMI port, and two USB ports. This allowed the phone to connect to a display and still function as a phone. in 2019, DeX did away with any proprietary docking accessories all together, only requiring the original charger cable or any USB-C cable with data transfer. As of 2020, DeX could project the desktop experience wirelessly.

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Could the iPhone gain the same capabilities with iOS 19? Time will tell. There are rumors that iOS 19 could introduce Stage Manager-like external display support for USB-C iPhones, which would be a promising start. Perhaps Apple will do more than that, or at least improve it further with future updates.

Imagine being able to connect your iPhone to a display using the USB-C cable and simultaneously connect to a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. Would that eliminate the need for laptops completely? Probably not, but it would certainly elevate the iPhone’s convenience as a work and travel companion to new levels. Better yet, imagine pairing your iPhone with Apple smart glasses or the Vision Pro. In that scenario, an external monitor wouldn’t even be required.

While iPhone Mirroring allows you to use your iPhone on your Mac and is handy for certain applications, it’s no substitute for a full desktop experience. You’re also locked out of using your iPhone while iPhone Mirroring is enabled.

There’s little doubt that Apple is forced to innovate in order to stay relevant for decades to come. Despite one Apple exec’s fear that people may not need iPhones in the future, we’re sure Apple has something up its sleeve. Could this be a key feature that steers the next generation of Apple devices? It’s hard to imagine now, but so was AI not so long ago.