On the inside, iOS and iPadOS are pretty much the same platforms, but Apple has decided to give the iPad’s software some additional features while locking out iPhone users from taking advantage of these additions because increased sales are always a plus for the company. However, one iPhone 17 Pro Max owner on Reddit showed evidence of successfully hacking the flagship and running iPadOS on it through an exploit. While Apple would deem this a major security issue, the device can now mimic a Mac-like experience while being connected to an external monitor.
The exploit only exists in iOS 26.1, but Apple has patched it in iOS 26.2 beta 1
With its A19 Pro and 12GB RAM, the iPhone 17 Pro Max features sufficiently capable hardware for running iPadOS and offering multitasking capabilities. A Redditor with the username ‘TechExpert2910’ shows the flagship is connected to an external monitor using a single cable, with multiple windows opened on the display. Unfortunately, this exploit only exists on iOS 26.1, as Apple has patched it on iOS 26.2 beta 1.
The Redditor believes that the Cupertino giant doesn’t allow its iPhones to be used in this fashion because the move would severely hurt Mac sales. While TechExpert2910 may be right to some extent, this feature also exists in Android-powered smartphones, with Samsung popularizing the modern-style desktop interface first when it launched DeX with the Galaxy S8 back in 2017. Fast forward to 2025, and even non-flagship handsets are equipped with internals powerful enough to transform into portable desktop-running devices.
However, the ability to run a desktop mode on a smartphone hasn’t picked up any momentum, though it is a feature that is highly underappreciated given the possibilities. Unfortunately, we have to under that the majority of the consumer base is not well-versed in technology or have an elaborate interest in committing to these experiments, so we don’t believe that Apple allowing a desktop mode for its iPhones would cannibalize its other products.
After all, the company is working to bring touchscreen support to its OLED MacBook Pro lineup next year. Bringing this feature would undoubtedly hurt iPad sales, but Apple doesn’t seem to be bothered. Then again, if the company is not keen on letting its iPhone users enjoy a Mac-like experience, perhaps it should enable these users to enhance their gaming sessions by allowing AAA titles to be projected to an external monitor through their iPhone.
Apple was the first to introduce proper gaming ports to iOS, with one YouTuber showing that it is possible to play Resident Evil Village on an iPhone 15 Pro, which is connected to an external monitor using a USB-C cable. Devices like the iPhone 17 Pro Max have all the firepower ever needed to open up multiple doors, as highlighted above, but will Apple ever change its mind? Most likely not.
News Source: Reddit
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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