macOS 27 iPhone Mirroring finally lets you resize the window, open Control Center, and play DRM-protected video that used to show a black screen. These upgrades came with macOS 27, which Apple started rolling out on September 14. If you use your Mac to handle phone tasks, it’s a real quality-of-life boost.
Here’s the short version of what changed:
- Window size: free resizing instead of three fixed presets.
- Control Center: open it with Command + 4 or from the View menu.
- Video: DRM-protected clips now play instead of going black.
- Catch: resizing works with Apple’s own iPhone apps for now.
That last point matters, because it decides how useful the new window feels on day one.
What the macOS 27 iPhone Mirroring update changes
Until now, iPhone Mirroring felt like a window you could look through but not really shape. The new version fixes three of the most common complaints, according to 9to5Mac.
| Feature | Before macOS 27 | With macOS 27 |
|---|---|---|
| Window size | Three presets: smaller, actual size, larger | Resize to any size |
| Control Center | Not reachable | Command + 4 or View menu |
| DRM video | Black screen | Plays normally |
| App icon | Older look | New icon, matching stock Apple apps |
None of these are flashy on their own. Together they remove the small annoyances that made people close the window and grab the phone anyway.
A resizable window, with one big catch
You can now drag the window to the size you want. In hands-on testing by iGeeksBlog, Command + plus and Command + minus also resize it, and dragging the left or right edge widens Apple’s apps beyond the usual tall phone shape.
The catch is app support. Resizing needs apps built for iOS 27, so for now that means Apple’s native apps only. Third-party apps should follow as developers ship iOS 27 updates, which 9to5Mac expects later this year.
The same report ties the change to Apple’s preparation for a foldable iPhone Ultra, which it expects later this year. That’s the publication’s read, not an Apple announcement.
Control Center and protected video finally work
Control Center was the odd gap. You could mirror your whole phone but couldn’t toggle Wi-Fi, brightness, or a Focus mode. Now Command + 4 opens it, or you can pick it from the View menu.
DRM video is the other fix. Streaming apps that protect their content used to show a black rectangle inside the mirrored window. They now play, which makes the feature far more useful for quick checks or demos from your desk.
What still feels rough
Hands-on testers found a few leftovers. iGeeksBlog reported these, and some were tested while the software was still in beta, so your experience may differ:
- The window snaps back to the tall shape when you return to the Home Screen.
- There’s no on-screen Control Center button for trackpad-only users.
- Drag and drop between iPhone and Mac is slow, and app switching can lag.
Why this matters: the basics are fixed, but power users will still reach for the phone now and then. If you’re tracking the next releases, our guide on why iPhones are skipping iOS 27.1 covers what’s coming, and the Siri AI waitlist explainer covers another iOS 27 change.
How to try macOS 27 iPhone Mirroring today
Start by updating your Mac to macOS 27 and your iPhone to iOS 27, since the new window features are tied to iOS 27 apps. Neither 9to5Mac nor Apple’s release announcement lists exact Mac or iPhone model requirements for these changes, so check Apple’s support pages if your hardware is older.
Once both devices are updated, open the iPhone Mirroring app on your Mac and unlock your phone when prompted. Try resizing the window with an Apple app such as Notes or Settings first, because that’s where the new sizing works today.
Then open the View menu to find Control Center. If you plan to use protected video, test your favorite streaming app before relying on it for a presentation.
Who gets the most out of these changes
The biggest winners are people who keep their phone across the room or in a bag. Replying to a message, flipping a setting, or checking an app is now less of a detour. Anyone demoing an iPhone app or recording a quick walkthrough benefits too, since a resizable window fits screen recordings better than three fixed sizes.
Casual users may barely notice. If you rarely mirror your phone, the update is a nice extra rather than a reason to change habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I resize the iPhone Mirroring window in macOS 27?
Drag the window edges, or press Command + plus or Command + minus. Wide layouts currently work in Apple’s own apps.
How do I open Control Center in iPhone Mirroring?
Press Command + 4 or choose it from the View menu in the menu bar.
Does protected video play in iPhone Mirroring now?
DRM-protected videos that showed a black screen before now play, according to 9to5Mac. Results can vary by app.
Do third-party apps support the resizable window?
Not yet. They need iOS 27 updates from their developers, which 9to5Mac expects later this year.
Should you start using it?
If you already mirror your iPhone, update and enjoy it: Control Center and working video are real fixes. If you skipped the feature because it felt clunky, give it another try with Apple’s apps. Just don’t expect a full phone replacement until your favorite third-party apps catch up.
Leave a Reply