Tether aims to bring iPhone Continuity-style messaging, clipboard sync, file transfer, and notifications to Linux desktops

The author built Tether after moving to Linux full time and missing Apple’s Continuity features, especially OTP autofill and iPhone-to-desktop workflows. The project started with clipboard sync, added secure file transfer, and uses mutual TLS so both the iOS app and Linux daemon must approve communication.

Tether reflects growing demand for cross-platform tools that reduce lock-in between Apple devices and non-Apple desktops. If it can reliably bridge iPhone messaging, notifications, and sync features on Linux, it could make Linux desktop adoption more practical for users who remain tied to iOS.