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Codex IOS App control codex on Mac #19681

@frank-bluemke

Description

@frank-bluemke

What variant of Codex are you using?

iOS Codex App with Local Mac Session Continuity

What feature would you like to see?

Summary

I would like an iOS Codex app that can connect to a local Codex instance running on my Mac, allowing me to continue interacting with the same Codex projects, conversations, and active coding sessions from my phone.

The goal is to let users continue giving instructions, reviewing progress, approving actions, and managing Codex tasks when they need to step away from their computer.

Problem

Today, Codex is most useful when I am actively sitting at my Mac. If I need to leave my desk, I lose the ability to continue guiding the agent, reviewing its proposed changes, approving safe actions, or correcting direction.

This creates friction for workflows where Codex is doing iterative development work and needs occasional user input.

Proposed Solution

Create an iOS Codex app that can connect to the user’s local Codex environment on macOS and mirror the active Codex experience.

The iOS app should allow the user to:

  • View the same projects and conversations available on the Mac
  • Continue active Codex sessions from the phone
  • Send new instructions to Codex
  • Review proposed changes or action requests
  • Approve, reject, or modify requested actions
  • See progress/output from the local Codex instance
  • Resume the same conversation back on the Mac later

Connection Options

The app should support multiple connection modes:

Mode

Description

Local Network Connection

iPhone connects directly to the Mac while both are on the same Wi-Fi/network

Internet Relay / Remote Connection

Optional secure remote access when the user is away from the local network

Local-Only Mode

For users who do not want their local coding environment accessible over the internet

Ideally, the first version could start with local network support and expand later to secure remote access.

Sync Expectations

Projects and conversations should stay in sync between Mac and iOS.

The phone should show the same state as the Mac, including:

  • Active project
  • Current branch/session context
  • Conversation history
  • Pending approvals
  • Agent output
  • Tool/action requests
  • Current task status

The user should be able to move between Mac and iPhone without losing context.

Example Use Case

I start a Codex task on my Mac, such as implementing a feature or debugging an issue. Codex begins working, but then I need to step away from my desk.

From my iPhone, I should be able to open the Codex app, see the same active session, review what Codex has done, provide additional instructions, and approve safe actions.

When I return to my Mac, the same session should be updated with everything that happened from the phone.

Why This Matters

This would make Codex much more practical for real-world development workflows where the user does not remain at the computer continuously.

It would be especially helpful for:

  • Long-running coding tasks
  • Reviewing agent progress while away from the desk
  • Approving low-risk actions remotely
  • Giving additional instructions without interrupting the session
  • Maintaining momentum during breaks, errands, commuting, or meetings

Security Considerations

Because this would expose access to a local coding environment, the feature should include strong security controls, such as:

  • Explicit device pairing
  • User-controlled enable/disable toggle
  • Local-only mode
  • Optional internet access mode
  • Authentication for remote access
  • Clear indication when a phone is connected
  • Ability to revoke paired devices
  • Approval gates for sensitive actions

Suggested MVP

A reasonable first version could include:

  1. iOS app pairs with Codex running on macOS
  2. Local Wi-Fi connection only
  3. Read/write access to active Codex conversations
  4. Ability to send instructions
  5. Ability to approve or deny pending Codex actions
  6. Basic project/session sync

Remote internet access could come later as an advanced option.

Requested Outcome

Please consider adding an iOS Codex companion app that allows users to continue active Codex sessions from their phone while staying connected to their local Mac environment.

Additional information

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