DeX Mode On iPhone: Device Runs iPadOS Thanks To iOS 26.1 Vulnerability

A recent experiment demonstrated that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is capable of functioning similarly to a portable PC, thanks to a modification that enabled the device to run iPadOS instead of its native iOS. The modification took advantage of a security vulnerability found in iOS 26.1, allowing the smartphone to operate with features normally restricted to Apple’s tablets.

The discovery was made by the Reddit user TechExpert2910, who shared details of the process in the “iPad” subreddit. According to the user, the flaw allowed the iPhone to boot and run iPadOS while supporting the operating system’s full multitasking capabilities when connected to an external monitor. In the images posted online, the iPhone appears linked to a larger display through a single cable, showing multiple windows arranged simultaneously—an experience comparable to a Mac desktop environment or Samsung’s DeX mode, which transforms compatible Android phones into desktop-like systems.

The exploit was short-lived, however. The vulnerability used to achieve this transformation existed only in iOS 26.1 and was promptly patched by Apple in iOS 26.2 beta 1, where it was classified as a serious security issue. Despite being quickly resolved, the demonstration highlighted the impressive hardware capabilities of the A19 Pro chip and the device’s 12 GB of RAM, showing that the iPhone 17 Pro Max has more than enough power to run iPadOS and its advanced features.

The event also reignited discussion about Apple’s longstanding separation between iPhone and iPad functionality. While Apple has introduced sophisticated multitasking features in iPadOS, it has consistently avoided enabling similar desktop-like modes on iPhones. Analysts and users often interpret this as a deliberate strategic choice designed to maintain the iPad’s value within Apple’s product ecosystem by keeping certain features exclusive to tablets.

This omission has led to comparisons with major Android manufacturers, such as Samsung and Motorola, which have offered desktop or PC-like modes on smartphones for years. By 2025, even mid-range Android devices can switch to a portable-desktop interface, a capability once limited to high-end flagship models. In contrast, iPhones still lack official support for such functionality despite having hardware powerful enough to support it.

However, the broader market influence of these desktop modes remains limited. Most consumers either do not require such features or lack the technical familiarity to use them effectively. As a result, while the demonstration emphasizes the iPhone’s untapped potential, it also reflects the relatively small demand for smartphone-to-PC experiences in everyday use.

Filed in Cellphones. Read more about Apple, Hack, iOS, iPadOS and Mod.