Overview
Modaal and Port22 are two distinct tools aimed at developers, but they serve very different purposes. Modaal is an AI-powered platform that turns your idea into real native iOS and Android apps. It uses a spec-driven approach, generating a PRD and feature specs that you approve before any code is written. It outputs genuine Swift and Kotlin code in Xcode and Android Studio projects, and you can bring your own AI subscription (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.) without per-token markups.
Port22, on the other hand, is a mobile companion for developers who run coding agents on their Mac. It attaches to existing terminal sessions (like Claude Code, Codex, or OpenCode) and streams the live transcript to your iPhone. You get push notifications when an agent needs permission, and you can approve actions directly from your phone. It works over LAN or an encrypted relay, ensuring you stay in control even when away from your desk.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Modaal | Port22 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Build native iOS/Android apps with AI | Monitor and control Mac coding agents from phone |
| Platform | Mac desktop app | iOS app + Mac agent |
| Core Functionality | Spec-driven development, code generation | Attaches to existing terminal sessions, live transcript |
| AI Integration | Bring your own subscription (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.) | Works with existing agent CLIs (Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode) |
| Code Output | Real Swift and Kotlin in Git repos | No code generation; monitors existing code |
| Approval Workflow | Approve PRD and specs before code | Approve agent actions via push notifications |
| Remote Access | Not applicable | LAN or encrypted relay |
| Security | Local Git storage | End-to-end encryption, iCloud pairing |
| Pricing | Free plan available | Free for one Mac and two sessions (beta) |
| Target User | Developers building mobile apps | Developers running long agent sessions |
Pricing
Modaal offers a free plan with no credit card required. While specific paid tiers are not detailed, the free plan allows you to start building and shipping native apps. You bring your own AI subscription, so there are no additional token costs from Modaal.
Port22 is free during its beta period for one Mac and two sessions, with every feature enabled. Future pricing has not been announced, but the beta provides full functionality at no cost.
Pros and Cons
Modaal
Pros:
- Builds true native iOS and Android apps from a single description.
- Spec-driven development ensures you approve plans before code is written.
- Bring your own AI subscription, avoiding per-token markups.
- Exports real Swift and Kotlin code in Git repositories.
Cons:
- Requires a Mac and an existing AI subscription.
- May have a learning curve for non-developers.
Port22
Pros:
- Attaches to existing terminal sessions without forking or wrapping.
- Provides real-time notifications and approvals from your phone.
- End-to-end encrypted and pairs easily via iCloud.
- Free during beta with all features enabled.
Cons:
- Only supports specific terminal emulators (not Warp or IDE terminals).
- Requires an iPhone and a Mac running the agent.
- Currently in beta; waitlist required for access.
Verdict
Modaal is ideal for developers who want to create native mobile apps from scratch using AI, with a focus on spec-driven development and code ownership. Port22 is perfect for developers who already run coding agents on their Mac and need mobile oversight to approve actions and monitor progress remotely. Choose Modaal to build apps; choose Port22 to manage your existing agent workflows on the go.