·6 min read

Cross-Platform Consistency: One App, Every Apple Device

FoxTerm delivers the same powerful SSH experience across macOS, iPadOS, and iOS. Start a session on your Mac, continue on your iPad, check status on your iPhone — seamlessly.

Cross-PlatformiOSiPadOSSwiftUIContinuity

In a world where developers juggle multiple devices — MacBook at the desk, iPad in meetings, iPhone on the go — having a consistent toolchain matters. FoxTerm is built from the ground up for all Apple platforms, delivering the same core experience everywhere.

Shared Foundation

FoxTerm uses SwiftUI as its primary UI framework, which enables:

  • Single codebase — Most UI code runs identically on macOS, iPadOS, and iOS
  • Native performance — No cross-platform abstraction layers slowing things down
  • Platform adaptations — Subtle differences where they matter (touch vs. trackpad, screen size)

Platform-Specific Optimizations

While the core is shared, FoxTerm adapts to each platform's strengths:

macOS

NavigationSplitView with sidebar (host list) and detail (workspace):

  • Chrome-style tab bar with close buttons
  • Inspector panel toggle (Cmd+R)
  • Toolbar with SSH keygen, settings, system stats
  • Keyboard shortcuts for power users
  • Multi-window support

iPadOS

Same NavigationSplitView layout as macOS:

  • Chrome tab bar visible (unlike iPhone)
  • Split-screen multitasking support
  • Stage Manager compatibility
  • External display support
  • Mouse/trackpad input

iOS (iPhone)

Adaptive NavigationStack with push navigation:

  • Simplified interface for smaller screens
  • Touch-optimized controls
  • Haptic feedback for actions
  • No tab bar (uses bottom navigation)
  • Deep link support for quick access

Feature Parity

Every major feature works on all platforms:

Feature macOS iPadOS iOS
SSH Terminal ✅ ✅ ✅
SFTP File Manager ✅ ✅ ✅
VNC Remote Desktop ✅ ✅ ✅
Docker/Podman UI ✅ ✅ ✅
System Monitoring ✅ ✅ ✅
Port Forwarding ✅ ✅ ✅
Secure Enclave Keys ✅ ✅ ✅
Proxy Support ✅ ✅ ✅
Theme System ✅ ✅ ✅

Continuity Workflows

FoxTerm enables seamless transitions between devices:

Start on Mac, Continue on iPad

Working on a complex deployment from your MacBook? Step away to a meeting, pick up your iPad, and resume the same SSH session. Connection state syncs via iCloud (encrypted).

Quick Checks on iPhone

Need to verify a container is running or check server load? Open FoxTerm on your iPhone, authenticate with Face ID, and get instant access.

Universal Clipboard

Copy a command on your Mac, paste it into FoxTerm on your iPad. Apple's Universal Clipboard works seamlessly.

Sync & Backup

FoxTerm supports optional iCloud sync for:

  • Host configurations — Server addresses, usernames, key references
  • Saved sessions — Favorite connections for quick access
  • Themes — Custom terminal themes
  • Key mappings — Keyboard shortcuts (macOS only)

Sensitive data (private keys, passwords) is never synced. These stay device-local, protected by Secure Enclave or Keychain.

Performance Across Devices

FoxTerm maintains consistent performance regardless of device:

  • MacBook Pro M3: 120fps terminal rendering
  • iPad Pro M2: 120fps with touch gestures
  • iPhone 15 Pro: 60fps optimized for mobile

The Ghostty terminal engine scales gracefully, using Metal on all devices for GPU-accelerated rendering.

Offline Mode

FoxTerm works offline for:

  • Viewing saved host configurations
  • Editing local files before upload
  • Preparing commands for later execution
  • Reading documentation

Of course, SSH connections require network access — but the app itself doesn't.

Accessibility

FoxTerm supports Apple's accessibility features on all platforms:

  • VoiceOver — Screen reader support
  • Switch Control — Alternative input methods
  • Dynamic Type — Adjustable text sizes
  • Reduce Motion — Disable animations
  • High Contrast — Enhanced visibility

The Bottom Line

FoxTerm isn't just "available" on multiple platforms — it's designed for them. Whether you're at your desk, in a coffee shop, or traveling, your SSH workflow stays consistent, secure, and productive.

Download FoxTerm on the App Store for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS. Visit foxterm.app.