Canary Mail is available on both macOS and iPhone. This page explains which features work on each platform, what is the same across both, and where behavior may differ due to how each operating system works.
Quick Answer
Most core features in Canary Mail work on both Mac and iPhone. The main differences are in system integrations and interface conventions - not in feature availability. If you use both devices, your accounts and selected settings can sync through Cross-Device Sync.
Feature Comparison Table
Note on iPad: Canary Mail is available on iPad and shares the same iOS feature set as iPhone. Features listed under iPhone in the table above apply to iPad as well. Some interface elements may adapt to the larger screen but core functionality is the same.
What Is the Same on Mac and iPhone
The following features work consistently across both platforms:
- Unified inbox for Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, IMAP, and Exchange accounts
- Email syncing through IMAP and Exchange providers
- Optional AI Copilot for drafting, summarizing, and smart search across accounts. AI features are optional and can be disabled at any time
- PGP encryption and SecureSend on Pro+
- Phishing and tracker protection on Pro+
- Thread view and conversation grouping
- Read receipts, Send Later, and Snooze
- Core inbox management tools available on all plans
Your email data stays with your provider on both platforms. Canary Mail acts as the client on each device.
For full details on optional AI features, see the Canary Mail AI features. For full details on security features, see the Canary Mail security features.
What Differs Between Mac and iPhone
Differences between Mac and iPhone are mostly due to how each operating system works - not due to Canary Mail removing features on one platform.
- Biometric and device lock
iPhone supports Face ID and Touch ID app lock for protecting your inbox at the app level. This is an iOS-specific capability and is not available on Mac in the same form. - System integrations
On Mac, Canary Mail integrates with macOS system services including Keychain for credential storage. On iPhone, Canary Mail follows iOS conventions for account access and system-level behavior. - Notifications
Push notification behavior may differ depending on your iOS or macOS system settings. Both platforms support notifications but the delivery experience follows each operating system's conventions. - Keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts on Mac follow macOS conventions. On iPhone, interaction is touch-based and keyboard-dependent shortcuts are not applicable in the same way. - Interface
The core interface is consistent in structure but follows platform design conventions on each device. The experience feels native on each platform.
Included vs Optional Features
Some features in Canary Mail are included by default in all plans. Others are optional or plan-specific.
Available on all plans - Mac and iPhone
- Unified Inbox
- Snooze and Pin
- Email Templates
- Inbox Zero
- Basic Customization
- Unlimited Mail Accounts
- Cross-Device Sync
Available on Growth and Pro+ - Mac and iPhone
- Optional AI Copilot - drafts, summaries, smart search. Can be enabled or disabled at any time
- Read Receipts
- Send Later
- Calendar and Scheduling
- Inbox Cleaner
- App Integrations
- Advanced Customization
Available on Pro+ only - Mac and iPhone
- PGP Encryption
- SecureSend
- Phishing and Ransomware protection
- Impersonation Detection
- Misdirection Prevention
- Priority Support
For a full plan comparison and device limits, visit the Canary Mail pricing page.
Account Compatibility
Canary Mail connects to the same email providers on both Mac and iPhone -
- Gmail
- Outlook and Microsoft 365
- iCloud
- IMAP accounts
- Exchange
You do not need to set up accounts separately for each platform. With Cross-Device Sync enabled, your accounts can sync from one device to the other automatically.
Settings Sync Across Mac and iPhone
With Cross-Device Sync enabled and the same Canary Mail account on both devices, selected preferences, signatures, and templates can sync across platforms.
Some preferences are device-specific by design due to platform differences. For a full breakdown of what syncs and what does not, see the Cross-Device Sync and Licensing guide.
Using Canary Mail on Both Mac and iPhone
If you use both devices, Cross-Device Sync works via a QR code process. Here is how to set it up from iPhone to Mac:
- Set up Canary Mail fully on your iPhone first
- On your iPhone, go to Canary Mail - Settings - Cross-Device Sync and toggle on "Sync across devices"
- Send the QR code to your Mac
- Install and open Canary Mail on your Mac, tap "Continue", then choose Restore - Restore Settings via QR Code
- Drag and drop the QR code image onto the import screen on your Mac
Once complete, your settings and accounts are synced across both devices.
For Mac-specific information, see Canary Mail for Mac. For iPhone-specific information, see Canary Mail for iPhone.
FAQ
Does Canary Mail work the same on Mac and iPhone?
Most core features work on both platforms. Unified inbox, optional AI Copilot, PGP encryption, read receipts, and account compatibility are all available on Mac and iPhone. Some system integrations and interface behaviors differ because each platform follows its own OS conventions.
Which features are available on both platforms?
Most core features including unified inbox, optional AI tools, security features on Pro+, and account compatibility with Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, IMAP, and Exchange are available on both Mac and iPhone. Optional AI features can be enabled or disabled at any time on both platforms.
What is different on iPhone vs Mac?
The main differences are Face ID and Touch ID app lock which is available on iPhone only, Keychain integration which is macOS-specific, and notification behavior which follows each operating system's conventions. These are platform-level differences, not feature removals.
Does my setup sync across devices?
Yes. With Cross-Device Sync enabled, your accounts and selected preferences sync across Mac and iPhone. Some settings are device-specific by design. For full details see the Cross-Device Sync and Licensing guide.