Using VMware on your iPhone

If your firm uses VMware to access a virtual desktop, don't miss that you can install an app for VMware on an Apple iPhone. I've tested the app, and it allows you to work on your desktop with about three-quarters of the efficiency of working on a laptop or desktop computer - provided you can connect a mouse to your iPhone—which is what makes all the difference.

The app will load your desktop, and the appearance will be quite the same as you see on a PC - even if admittedly you'll need to squint a little if you want to keep the same aspect ratio.

On the screen, you'll see an icon that allows you to access the usual controls you'd use on a PC:

Click the 'paired square' icon, and bring up six additional icons which will let you access the keyboard; up, down, left, & right arrows; settings; gesture help; and the option to disconnect from VMware.

The VMware Horizon app will move in and out of portrait and landscape mode quite smoothly. But, in order to really avoid having your flow of work compromised you'll need to pair a mouse with your iPhone. There's more than one way to do this, but if the mouse you are using has a USB-A receiver, and you have a USB-A to USB-C adapter, you can connect the mouse like this:

In order to enable the mouse on the iPhone, you'll need to enable AssistiveTouch:

The mouse should then work - a cursor will appear on the iPhone you're used to controlling with a fingertip.

If you click on the fuzzy circle assistive touch option it will give you the option to go back to the home screen of the iPhone, or switch between apps.

If you really want to have the option to jump on VMware on the go, without lugging around a laptop, this is way to do  it—though you may want to invest in a portable Bluetooth enabled keyboard as well.

Keep in mind that if the USB-A to USA-C adapter has a HDMI port as well, you'll also be able to connect to a monitor that may be around and increase your level of workflow efficiency even more.