Screens 5: VNC Remote Desktop

Ok, my previous review of this app was less than stellar, I hadn’t taken the time to properly educate myself about its inner workings, and had made assumptions, based on former experience with different apps. I had failed to appreciate unique features of Screens like Secure SSH based remote control. It is also the only app that feels native to the Apple ecosystem - beautiful and modern interface, high quality rendering of your remote desktops, and very convenient shortcuts strategically placed on their carrousel. I have grown to love the app, after struggling initially with the remote access configuration. It seems like using Tailscale is almost an inevitability, which, while less than ideal certainly makes sense. ScreensConnect will not work if you have a Double NAT scenario, which is becoming more and more common with the rise of wireless home internet use. The one feature that the app is missing that I would really love is the ability to block remote input, while still leaving the remote desktop visible to the person being assisted. With the rumoured forecoming file transfer from MacOS to iOS, I think this would become the only premium choice for Apple aficionados. Recommended.

Initially, I had some reservations about this application due to its lack of sound from the host computer, prompting me to deduct a star. However, upon reaching out, I received a prompt response directing me to the fine print on the product page where this limitation was disclosed. It's worth noting that this information wasn't readily apparent in the support pages or easily discoverable through the search function. Putting the sound issue aside, this app excels in its primary function of connecting to another computer. Among the limited options available for native VisionOS apps, this one stands out as the most reliable in my experience. Although the initial setup posed some challenges, particularly in configuring my router to facilitate the connection, taking the time to carefully follow the instructions resolved any issues. Since then, I've found great utility in using this app to connect to multiple computers seamlessly. Despite the initial hurdles, the smooth operation and versatility of this application have made it a valuable addition to my toolkit.

I own Screens 4 for all platforms with all the IAP upgrades (when they were still paid) and plan to keep using the previous versions. This app looks great and I’m sure it took a lot or work and a long time to build. However the price to unlock lifetime for existing users who paid for the previous versions is the same for new users. This feels a little harsh and I understand this is now a universal app built from scratch but show your previous customers some grace. As an app developer I completely support the need for companies to be paid for their work but I also expect that they appreciate the people who supported their work previously and any discount would’ve been a gesture of goodwill. I’m going to hold off on purchasing it for now. Edit: To the developers - thanks for responding. I do enjoy your products and I did pay for both iOS and Mac versions for the previous version (which totaled less than this current version). I understand software takes work and you deserve to be paid for it. All I’m saying it would’ve been nice to have upgrade pricing for existing customers. I’m glad you have a lifetime option but we know that’s just for the just for lifetime of v5. We’ll have to pay again for v6 and from what you’re saying it’ll be full price again. I’m happy to update every version if there’s upgrade pricing. - Yariv.