iPhone 16 to a TV or monitor: what works, and why the 16e is different
Yes, except the iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max send video over USB-C, up to 4K HDR, to a USB-C display or through a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Apple names the iPhone 16e as the exception: a cable shows nothing, so it needs AirPlay to an Apple TV. Every model mirrors its screen, except in apps like ScreenCommand that draw their own picture: a full-screen desktop browser on the TV.
Checked against Apple's Tech Specs and support articles · October 2026iPhone 16: what it does with a monitor or TV
| iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 16e | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip | A18 | A18 Pro | A18 |
| Released | 2024 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| USB speed | USB 2 (480Mb/s) | USB 3 (10Gb/s) | USB 2 (480Mb/s) |
| Best wired output | 4K 60Hz | 4K 60Hz | No video over USB-C |
| With an HDMI 2.0 adapter | 4K 60Hz | 4K 60Hz | No video over USB-C |
| With a monitor or TV | Mirrors only | Mirrors only | Mirrors only |
| Newest software | iOS 27 | iOS 27 | iOS 27 |
| Model numbers | A3081, A3082, A3286, A3287, A3288, A3289, A3290, A3291 | A3083, A3084, A3292, A3293, A3294, A3295, A3296, A3297 | A3212, A3408, A3409, A3410 |
| ScreenCommand | Cable or AirPlay | Cable or AirPlay | AirPlay only |
Apple Tech Specs: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus 1, 2 · iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max 1, 2 · iPhone 16e 122208
What sets the iPhone 16 apart
- The iPhone 16e has the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16, but no DisplayPort on its USB-C port, so it has no wired video at all.
- The 16 and 16 Plus run USB-C at USB 2 speed with video out. The 16 Pro and Pro Max have USB 3 (10Gb/s).
How to connect the iPhone 16 to a monitor or TV
- Cable (recommended): plug a USB-C monitor straight in with a USB-C cable that carries video, or use a USB-C to HDMI adapter for a TV. An HDMI 2.0 adapter gets you the full 4K 60Hz. The picture appears as soon as it's plugged in.
- Wireless: open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring and choose your Apple TV. It works, with slightly more cursor lag than a cable.
- iPhone 16e: no video over USB-C, so a cable or adapter shows nothing. Use AirPlay to an Apple TV instead.
Either way, the iPhone 16 mirrors its screen until an app draws its own picture on the TV. Open ScreenCommand and the TV shows a full-screen desktop browser instead, with the iPhone 16 as the trackpad.
What ScreenCommand puts on the TV
- Full screen, no black bars: desktop websites at the display's own resolution, not a copy of a small screen.
- Your device is the trackpad: glide a finger to move the cursor and tap to click, with 8 cursor styles you can see from the couch.
- Typing: click a text field on the TV and the keyboard appears on your iPad or iPhone. A hardware keyboard works too.
- Windows and tabs: up to 4 windows of 12 tabs each, one on the TV or two side by side, with your logins kept.
- $4.99 one-time: no subscription, no account, zero data collection.
Frequently asked questions
Can the iPhone 16 connect to a TV with a cable?
Yes, except the iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max send video over USB-C, up to 4K HDR, to a USB-C display or through a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Apple names the iPhone 16e as the exception: a cable shows nothing, so it needs AirPlay to an Apple TV. Every model mirrors its screen, except in apps like ScreenCommand that draw their own picture: a full-screen desktop browser on the TV.
What adapter does the iPhone 16 need for a TV?
A USB-C to HDMI adapter for a TV, or a USB-C cable that carries video for a USB-C monitor. With an HDMI 2.0 adapter the iPhone 16 outputs up to 4K 60Hz. Nothing needs setting up: the picture appears when you plug it in. The iPhone 16e can't use one: there's no video over USB-C, so use AirPlay to an Apple TV.
Can the iPhone 16 play Netflix on a TV?
Yes, over a USB-C cable. With the iPhone 16 wired to the TV, Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Paramount+ and Peacock play in ScreenCommand. Over AirPlay, copy-protected video goes black, so use a cable for those, or the service's own app on the TV. On the iPhone 16e, which have no video over USB-C, use the service's own app on the TV or an Apple TV.