iUseLinux

iUseLinux is a uv-installed Python application that runs on your Apple machine and serves iMessage through a web interface. This allows you to access your iMessages from any device with a browser—Linux machines, Windows PCs, or any other computer on your network. (For me, the itch to scratch was connecting from the Linux workstation I sit in front of all day, instead of having to reach into my pocket.)

You need a Mac (the iMessage host) with Python installed. The app uses uvx for easy installation—just run the command and you're ready to go. For remote access, you'll want a VPN or Tailscale/Tailnet setup.

By default, iUseLinux binds to localhost only—safe for trying it out on your Mac. The "Run as Service" option uses Tailscale Serve to securely expose it to your Tailnet. Alternatively, you can use an SSH tunnel to forward the port from your remote machine. Either way, your messages never touch the public internet.

Yes! The web interface supports both reading your existing conversations and sending new messages (including images and attachments). Currently, there is no support for sending tapbacks, but they are rendered. You can also receive videos, but for a good experience you'll want ffmpeg installed (they send as .mov by default, which most browsers don't support).

Yes, group conversations are fully supported. You can view and participate in group chats just like you would on your Mac or iPhone.

To be honest, I didn't know that existed before I decided this would be a fun project to build while trying out Steve Yegge's beads plus Opus 4.5's capabilities. A friend asked me, "why not just use BlueBubbles?" and I had a "oh, damn" moment. On the other hand, this was fun, and having it in my web browser takes up less real estate for me—and maybe for you, too.