Question 1

Can I use my iPhone as a Stream Deck for Mac without hardware?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Install DeckPilot on your Mac and iPhone, pair them over Wi-Fi or USB, and your phone becomes a tap-to-run button grid. It takes about 5 minutes, and the free tier gives you 8 buttons per deck. Step-by-step guide: deckpilot.co/blog/turn-iphone-into-stream-deck.

Question 2

What replaces the MacBook Touch Bar?

Accepted Answer

If you have an iPad, Sidecar is free and brings back a Touch Bar strip on the iPad screen. DeckPilot puts a Touch Bar-style strip and full button decks on your iPhone, and BetterTouchTool is the power-user option for custom bars and gestures. Full rundown: deckpilot.co/blog/touch-bar-replacement-mac-2026.

Question 3

Is there a free Stream Deck app for Mac?

Accepted Answer

Yes. DeckPilot's free tier is free forever: 8 buttons per deck, unlimited decks, no credit card and no trial clock. You get app launches, keyboard shortcuts, volume and brightness out of the box.

Question 4

Do I need a Stream Deck to mute Zoom?

Accepted Answer

No. A button on your phone that fires the Zoom mute shortcut (⇧⌘A) does the same job as a hardware key. Set it up once in DeckPilot, or grab a ready-made meeting template.

Question 5

Stream Deck or an iPhone app — which should I buy?

Accepted Answer

If you want physical keys you can hit without looking, buy the Elgato hardware. If you mostly fire shortcuts and launch apps, the iPhone you already own does that for free, and you can always buy hardware later. Side-by-side: deckpilot.co/blog/stream-deck-vs-iphone-app-mac.

Question 6

Is Loupedeck discontinued?

Accepted Answer

Loupedeck stopped selling directly in March 2025 after Logitech bought it. The Logitech MX Creative Console is the successor hardware. If you were shopping for one, both compare pages below cover what changed.

Question 7

Does DeckPilot require a subscription?

Accepted Answer

No. Free stays free at 8 buttons per deck. Pro is $7.99/month, $39/year, or $79 one-time lifetime, so you can skip the subscription entirely. Which plan fits: deckpilot.co/pricing#which-plan.

DeckPilot FAQ — iPhone Stream Deck, Touch Bar & Pricing (2026)

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