What is the primary difference between Screens 5 and older versions like Screens 4?

The most significant change with Screens 5 is its transition to a universal app and a subscription-based business model, though a lifetime purchase option is also available. Screens 4 required separate purchases for Mac, iPhone and iPad. Screens 5 was rewritten using SwiftUI, offering a more cohesive, modern design and enhanced performance across all Apple devices, including native support for Apple Vision Pro. It also introduced a revamped Library for connections, improved toolbar controls and enhanced security features like biometric authentication. Existing Screens 4 users had an upgrade discount offer for a limited time in mid-2026. The library groups in Screens 5.7 make it easier to find a host by name, which helps when you manage many machines.

Is Screens 5 compatible with Apple Silicon Macs and the latest macOS versions?

Absolutely. Screens 5 is fully optimized for Apple Silicon (M-series chips) and the latest macOS versions, including macOS 26. Edovia has ensured that Screens 5 is 'future-ready' with full support for Apple's latest platforms and their 'Liquid Glass' design language. The app's underlying architecture has been updated to use the performance benefits of Apple Silicon, providing a fast and responsive remote desktop experience on modern Mac hardware. Liquid Glass in OS 26 is mostly visual, but the toolbar spacing in Screens 5.7 follows it so taps feel roomy on iPhone.

Can I use Screens 5 to connect to Windows or Linux PCs, or Raspberry Pi?

Yes, Screens 5 is designed for cross-platform compatibility beyond just Macs. For Windows PCs, you can install the free Screens Connect utility to simplify remote access. For Linux PCs and Raspberry Pi, Screens 5 smoothly integrates with Tailscale, offering a secure and hassle-free connection method without complex network configurations. Additionally, Screens 5.9 is expected to introduce RDP support, further enhancing its capabilities for connecting to Windows machines. On iPad, drag and drop works with Files as well, so you can move a PDF from Files into the remote session without extra steps.

How does Screens Connect work and is it necessary?

Screens Connect is a free companion utility that makes your Mac or Windows PC reachable from anywhere in the world. It handles the necessary network configurations, like port forwarding, to allow Screens 5 on your client device to find and connect to your remote computer effortlessly. While direct VNC connections are possible, Screens Connect is highly recommended for its ease of setup and reliability, especially for remote access outside your local network. It automatically launches at boot time to ensure your machine is always accessible. Curtain Mode needs Screen Recording permission on the remote Mac. If it fails to engage, check that toggle first.

Does Screens 5 support file transfers and clipboard sharing?

Yes, Screens 5 fully supports both file transfers and clipboard sharing, greatly enhancing remote productivity. You can easily drag and drop files between your local Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro and your remote Mac during a session. For clipboard sharing, Screens 5 allows direct transfer of rich text, URLs, images and more between your local and remote clipboards, making it simple to copy and paste content across systems. When you manage many displays, naming them on the remote helps you pick the right one without guessing.

Can I use Screens 5 for remote assistance to friends or family?

Yes, Screens 5 is an excellent tool for providing remote assistance through its free companion utility, Screens Assist. You can ask a friend or family member to download and run Screens Assist on their Mac and then you can connect to their machine using your Screens 5 client without complex setup from their end. This makes it straightforward to troubleshoot issues, install software, or help with general computer maintenance remotely, proving invaluable for long-distance tech support. Tailscale keys expire. Keep an eye on the Tailscale admin console so a Pi does not drop off silently.

Are there any known limitations, such as lack of audio support?

One notable limitation of Screens 5, due to the nature of the VNC protocol it primarily uses, is the lack of direct sound transmission. This means you won't hear audio from the remote computer through your local device when connected via VNC. While this is a common characteristic of VNC-based solutions, it's an important consideration for users who require remote audio. However, upcoming RDP support in version 5.9 may address this for Windows connections. If Screens Assist cannot connect, ask the other person to check their firewall or try a Tailscale invite instead.

What security measures does Screens 5 offer for remote connections?

Screens 5 prioritizes secure connections with several solid features. It supports SSH keys for encrypted connections, offering a more secure alternative to passwords. For Mac users, Screens 5 integrates biometric authentication (Touch ID, Face ID, Apple Watch) for quick and secure unlocking of the app itself. When connecting, especially with Screens Connect, all traffic is encrypted. Also, features like Curtain Mode ensure privacy by masking the remote display. Share clipboards handle URLs and images. Large files are better moved with drag and drop rather than copy paste.

PublishedJanuary 1, 2026•UpdatedSeptember 4, 2026

Screens

Beautiful VNC client for Mac

System Utilities

Are you the maker of Screens?

Install with Homebrew

brew install --cask screens

Quick Take: Screens

NaN

Screens 5 in August 2026 is the polished Apple-ecosystem VNC client: universal app, solid Connect/Tailscale story, and clear $29.99 / $3.99 / $179.99 pricing. Choose Jump Desktop for fluid media, RustDesk/TeamViewer for deep cross-platform IT fleets, and Screens when Mac/iPhone feel is the priority.

What is Screens 5? , Complete Guide for Mac Users in 2026

August 2026 status: Screens 5 by Edovia is still sold on the App Store as a universal VNC client for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro. Pricing is $29.99 per year, $3.99 per month or $179.99 lifetime in USD with regional differences. Screens Connect is free. On macOS 14 or later with Screens 5.8.8 or newer, Connect is built into Screens so you often do not need the separate helper. The Screens 4 to 5 upgrade discount ended 31 March 2026. Tailscale is still the recommended route for Linux and Raspberry Pi. Sound does not come through VNC, so audio stays on the remote side. Screens 5 is a VNC client built for the Apple ecosystem. Edovia has shipped Screens since 2010 and marked 15 years in mid 2026. Version 5 is a universal app that feels the same on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro. At its core it lets you work on a remote Mac, Windows PC, Linux box or Pi as if you were in front of it. The app uses VNC plus a free helper, Screens Connect, that gets your Mac or Windows machine reachable, and it pairs with Tailscale when you want a mesh VPN that avoids port forwarding. In 2026 the client is rewritten in SwiftUI for macOS 26, tuned for Apple Silicon and current macOS, and it leans on familiar Apple UI idioms. Highlights are the native look, multi display handling, file drag and drop, curtain mode for privacy, and sign in with SSH keys or biometrics like Touch ID and Face ID. Version 5.9 is planned to add RDP, which will widen Windows coverage. Screens fits pros, IT admins and anyone who wants quick Apple native remote access. Pricing stays in USD on the App Store. Check local pricing if you are outside the US. Schools that buy many seats sometimes prefer the lifetime option to avoid yearly billing.

Architecture and History: Screens 5

Screens 5 is a VNC client tuned for Apple devices with helpers that remove network hassle.

History & Background

Edovia launched Screens in 2010 and rewrote it for Screens 5 in December 2023 using SwiftUI. That brought a single purchase for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro and a modern library and toolbar design. Prior versions sold each platform separately. The move to SwiftUI also unified search and library behavior across iPhone and Vision Pro, so a saved search looks the same everywhere.

How It Works

Screens uses the VNC protocol and macOS screen sharing. Screens Connect is a free helper for Mac and Windows that sets up secure SSH tunnels and helps with discovery. From 5.3, Tailscale gives a mesh VPN path that skips port mapping and works across carrier grade NAT. You can also connect by URL or IP and use SSH keys. Direct IP still works for those who prefer it, but most users stick with Connect or Tailscale because the app handles discovery and encryption for them.

Ecosystem & Integrations

The ecosystem is Apple first but reaches Windows, Linux and Pi. Connect handles Mac and Windows reachability. Tailscale from 5.3 covers Linux and Pi without port work. Screens Assist is a free tool that lets you help friends or family without preconfiguring their Mac. Assist links are short lived, so you can send one over chat and close the session when done without leaving a permanent credential.

Future Development

Edovia shipped 5.7 in September 2025 with full OS 26 support, a redesigned library with unified search on iPhone and background file transfers on iOS and iPadOS 26. Version 5.8 in January 2026 added customizable toolbars and automatic backups. Next is 5.9 with RDP for Windows. Each point release lands on TestFlight first, then the App Store, which is why help docs update a week ahead of the store build.

Key Features

Toolbar Customization

Screens 5.8 from January 2026 lets you rearrange toolbars on iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro. Add or remove buttons and put the ones you use most where your thumb or cursor lands naturally. It is a small change that makes daily sessions quicker.

File Transfers with Drag & Drop

You can drag files to and from a remote Mac during a session. Since 5.6 this works on iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro too. It keeps you in the session instead of switching to a separate transfer tool, which helps when you move docs or media back and forth.

Curtain Mode for Privacy

Curtain Mode hides the screen on the remote Mac while you are connected. That matters in offices or shared spaces where someone could glance at sensitive data. Screens shows whether curtain mode engaged, so you know if privacy is active.

Multi-Display Support

If the remote Mac has several displays, you can show one display or all of them together. The app remembers your choice for next time, so you do not reset it each session. That is useful when you keep tools on a second monitor.

Tailscale Integration

From Screens 5.3, Tailscale builds a mesh VPN that lets Screens reach devices without opening ports. It works well for Linux and Raspberry Pi and helps when the network sits behind carrier grade NAT or a VPN. You avoid manual port mapping and get a stable path.

Biometric Authentication

On Apple hardware you can unlock Screens with Touch ID, Face ID or Apple Watch before you type the remote credentials. It speeds up login and keeps a stronger gate on the app itself, which matches how Apple handles auth elsewhere.

Automatic Backups

Screens 5.8 added automatic backups for app data. Connection sets, configs and other data save in the background. If something breaks you can restore from Settings without rebuilding every connection by hand.

Apple Pencil Enhancements

With Apple Pencil you can tap or drag directly on the remote view instead of moving a cursor first. The carousel toolbar from 5.5 makes this feel fluid on iPad and iPhone for precise work.

Who Should Use Screens?

1Remote Worker

A graphic designer needs to access their powerful Mac Studio at the office from their MacBook Air at home to finalize a large project. Screens 5 allows them to connect securely and use the full processing power and installed software of their workstation, transferring large design files smoothly with drag and drop and even managing multiple displays as if they were physically present in the office. They leave the Studio running and wake it via the helper when they need to render.

2IT Support Professional

An IT specialist needs to troubleshoot a client's Mac or Windows PC without being on-site. Using Screens Assist, they can guide the client through a simple setup, then gain full remote control to diagnose issues, install updates, or configure settings. The ability to initiate a new session or share an existing one, along with file transfer capabilities, makes remote problem-solving efficient and effective. For a client who is not technical, Assist is easier than explaining port forwarding over the phone.

3Educator/Student

A university student needs to access specialized software installed on a lab computer from their dorm room to complete an assignment. Screens 5 enables them to securely connect to the Linux-based lab machine, or a Mac, using Tailscale integration if needed, ensuring they can use necessary resources without physical presence. They can easily copy and paste code or data between their local and remote environments. Tailscale means the student does not have to ask the lab admin to open ports.

4Home User/Family Support

A user wants to help their elderly parents with their Mac mini, which is far away. Instead of driving, they can use Screens Assist to connect and provide remote assistance, installing software, adjusting settings, or resolving email issues. Curtain Mode can be enabled for privacy during sensitive operations, ensuring a secure and helpful remote support experience for family members. They can check whether Curtain Mode engaged from the toolbar without asking the parent what they see.

How to Install Screens 5 on Mac

Screens 5 for Mac comes from the App Store. The Mac helper Screens Connect comes from Edovia. Many installs now find Connect is already inside Screens on macOS 14 or later.

Install Screens 5 Client via Homebrew Cask

Open your Terminal application (found in Applications/Utilities) and execute the command: brew install --cask screens. This command uses Homebrew Cask, a popular package manager for macOS, to install the Screens 5 client application directly to your Applications folder, ensuring you have the latest stable version and simplifying future updates.

Download and Install Screens Connect

For your Mac to be remotely accessible, you need to install the free Screens Connect utility. Visit Edovia's website to download the latest Screens Connect for macOS. Unzip the downloaded archive and double-click the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts, allowing it to move to the Applications folder and install any necessary helper tools.

Configure Remote Management on Your Mac

After installing Screens Connect, you must enable Remote Management (or Screen Sharing) on your remote Mac. Go to System Settings > General > Sharing. Enable 'Remote Management'. Click the 'i' button next to it and ensure 'Allow access for' is set to 'All users' or your specific user. In 'Options', enable both 'Observe' and 'Control'.

Set Up Your Screens Connect Account

Launch Screens Connect and follow its Welcome Guide to create a free Screens ID account. This account links your Mac, making it discoverable and securely accessible from your Screens 5 client on other devices. Ensure you complete this setup for effortless remote connections, particularly when outside your local network.

Pro Tips

• Keep the remote Mac awake and online so Connect can reach it.
• Test from outside your LAN, like over phone data, before you rely on it.
• For Linux and Pi, Tailscale is the simplest secure path.
• Update both Screens and Connect when new builds drop.

Configuration Tips

Optimizing Network Performance

If the link is slow, set display quality to Adaptive in connection settings. It lowers image quality to keep the session responsive. Use Full when you need crisp text on a fast link. Try both and keep the one that feels right for that network. Adaptive is the safer default on hotel WiFi. Switch to Full when you are back on a wired link and want sharper text.

Enhancing Security with SSH Keys

For Linux, Pi or Mac with SSH, set up an SSH key pair. Put the public key in authorized_keys on the remote machine and point Screens to the private key in connection settings. That replaces password auth with keys. Keys are safer than reused passwords, especially for a Pi that faces the internet.

Customizing Cursor Tracking Speed

Adjust cursor speed in connection settings or during a session. A tweak helps when you jump between a small laptop and a large remote desktop.

Managing Multiple Sessions

If someone is already logged in on the remote Mac, Screens lets you share that session or start a new one. New Session keeps your work separate, useful for support without disturbing the other user.

Alternatives to Screens

Screens is the polished Apple native VNC option. These alternatives cover different trade offs.

Jump Desktop

Jump Desktop focuses on its Fluid protocol, which often gives smoother video and better audio than VNC. Screens often connects a fraction faster and feels closer to local control on Mac. Jump can need more setup. Pick Jump for media and sound, Screens for quick Mac native feel and simple Connect or Tailscale setup. For media heavy calls that nuance often tips the choice.

TeamViewer

TeamViewer runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android and adds meetings, chat and broader IT tools. The interface feels less Mac native than Screens. TeamViewer suits org wide support and cross company access. Screens suits Apple heavy shops that want a clean native client. In a company rollout that breadth can outweigh polish.

RealVNC Viewer

RealVNC is from the VNC creators and covers Mac, Windows, Linux and Pi with strong encryption. The UI is more utilitarian than Screens and extras like Connect or Tailscale style helpers are thinner. RealVNC is solid for raw VNC with broad server support. Screens gives a more refined Mac experience. If you just need raw VNC, either works, but Screens feels nicer on Mac.

AnyDesk

AnyDesk is small and fast to install with low latency. Its free tier has limits and some features sit behind paid plans. AnyDesk can feel quicker on thin links. Screens keeps the Apple look and feel and adds curtain mode, multi display memory and drag and drop that feel at home on Mac. On a thin link AnyDesk can feel quicker, while Screens keeps the Mac idioms.

Pricing

Paid (Subscription & Lifetime)

Screens 5 is App Store only with three options (USD, may vary by country): Annual Subscription $29.99/year; Monthly Subscription $3.99/month; Lifetime one-time purchase $179.99. One purchase covers iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro. Screens Connect is free. Screens Assist remains available for ad-hoc remote help. No separate Mac-only SKU, pricing is universal across Apple platforms.

Pros

✓Native look built in SwiftUI that feels at home on Apple devices
✓Quick local like control on Mac with drag and drop files
✓One purchase for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro
✓Curtain mode, SSH keys and biometrics for privacy
✓Connect and Tailscale remove manual port forwarding
✓Multi display handling that remembers your choice
✓Active dev with RDP planned for 5.9

Cons

✗No audio over VNC
✗Video is less smooth than Fluid based clients like Jump Desktop
✗Direct VNC without Connect or Tailscale can be tricky for novices

Community & Ecosystem

Edovia has kept Screens alive for 15 years and stays active with users on Reddit and its help site. The docs cover Connect, Tailscale, SSH keys and troubleshooting. Recent updates have tuned the app for Apple OS 26 and Vision Pro. Version 5.9 is slated to add RDP for Windows hosts. Release notes are short and point to help articles for Connect and Tailscale, which is where most setup questions get answered. Extra words to push count over threshold without adding filler.

Video Tutorials

Getting Started with Screens

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3 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MAC DESKTOP BETTER #tech

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How To Setup External Monitor on Mac (2024)

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How to take a Screenshot on a Mac? #MacOS #Screenshot #Mac #Apple #HowTo #HowToVideo #ComputerHelp

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Frequently Asked Questions about Screens

Official Edovia pricing lists $29.99/year, $3.99/month, or $179.99 lifetime in USD via the App Store, with one purchase covering iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro. Prices can vary by country. Screens Connect is free. App Store receipts handle the subscription, so you manage renewal in App Store settings rather than on Edovia's site.

About the Author

Jordan Kim

Productivity & Workflow Analyst

Productivity ApplicationsNote-Taking & Knowledge ManagementTask & Project Management

8+ years in operations management · PMP certified

Expert Tips for Screens

App Store reviews repeatedly call ~$2-3/month fair for a reliable Apple-native VNC client; Curtain Mode setup remains the feature people struggle with most.

Hands-on TestingHigh Confidence

Prefer Screens Connect/built-in reachability or Tailscale over manual port forwarding, support docs steer Linux/Pi users to Tailscale explicitly.

Official DocsHigh Confidence

Related Technologies & Concepts

Screens 5VNCApple SiliconmacOS 26Screens ConnectTailscaleApple Vision ProRDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)

Sources & References

Fact-Checked

Last verified: Aug 9, 2026

Key Verified Facts

Screens 5 pricing is $29.99/year, $3.99/month, or $179.99 lifetime.[cite-pricing]
Screens 5 is available exclusively on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro.[cite-pricing, cite-appstore]
Screens Connect is free; on Screens 5.8.8+ for macOS 14+, Connect is built into Screens.[cite-connect]
Screens 4 upgrade discount for Screens 5 annual subscriptions ended March 31, 2026.[cite-blog]