iTether App Offers Internet Tethering On Your iPhone for One Time Fee - MacRumors
Skip to Content

iTether App Offers Internet Tethering On Your iPhone for One Time Fee

mzlTether.com has somehow gotten App Store approval for their iPhone companion application "iTether". The $14.99 App Store app allows users to share their iPhone's internet connection with their Mac or PC computer over USB.

Tether is an application that allows your Mac and PC to take advantage of your smartphone's data plan, providing you access to the Internet on your laptop anywhere there is cellular coverage from your smartphone.

Tether is easy to install, easy to use, works practically anywhere, and is very cost-effective.

To download the PC software visit:
http://tether.com/i/Tether-iPhone.exe

To download the Mac software visit:
http://tether.com/i/Tether-iPhone.dmg

Tether offers companion applications for the Mac and PC. Mac version shown here:

tether
Running both apps on your iPhone and your Mac allows your Mac to use your iPhone's internet connection over a USB cable (no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth support). Apple has traditionally not allowed such applications to become available on the App Store due to agreements with carriers.

Back in 2008, Apple briefly approved another tethering app called Netshare but quickly pulled it from the App Store. Instead, users have been expected to pay additional fees to U.S. carriers such as AT&T and Verizon who offer tethering as an add-on service for $20/month. The approval of iTether may have been inadvertent by Apple again and could be pulled at any time. It is presently available in the App Store for $14.99. As in the case of Netshare, if Apple does pull the app from the App Store, it should continue to work for those who bought it.

Tether offers a similar app for both BlackBerry and Android platforms and has been reviewed in the NYTimes and Entrepreneur.com.

We should note that excessive unauthorized tethering has previously resulted in warnings from AT&T to users about their usage. In many of these examples, however, the unauthorized use was dramatic and on unlimited plans. Still, it is good to be aware of that possibility. [App Store Link]

[via 9to5Mac]

Update: Tether's website is presently down due to the traffic, which means you can't download the Mac/PC apps and it also appears the iOS app verifies with Tether.com on each run, so it won't work while the main website is down.

Update 2: Tether claims "We were very clear with Apple what our app did. They asked us a bunch of questions and then approved us." So it may not be getting pulled.

Popular Stories

iphone 17 pro max battery 1 year

Three Years of 80% Charge Limits on iPhone: The Results

Tuesday October 6, 2026 12:59 pm PDT by
Since 2023, Apple's newer iPhones have had an 80 percent charge limit for those who want to extend battery lifespan. Charging to 80 percent instead of 100 percent is supposed to put less stress on the battery, improving longevity. For the last three years, I've used that setting on my iPhone. I started with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, then did the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and most recently, the iPhone...
MagSafe 3 Cable Midnight Feature

Apple Releases MagSafe 3 Charging Cable Firmware Update

Monday October 5, 2026 5:59 am PDT by
For the first time since February 2023, Apple has released a firmware update for the MagSafe 3 charging cable for the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Specifically, Apple last week released firmware version 3.2.0 for the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable. The previous firmware version for the cable was 3.1.12. It is unclear what is included in the latest firmware, as Apple does not publish release...
Black Apple Event Logo

Sources: Apple Planning Two Sets of Product Launches in October

Monday October 5, 2026 7:24 pm PDT by
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple plans to unveil an all-new home hub, a new HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV 4K on Tuesday, October 13, and MacRumors has since learned about another launch slated for later in the month. Apple is planning to unveil additional new products in the final week of October, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. While we do...

Top Rated Comments

194 months ago
Hands up if you are outside North America and still laughing at the idiocy of having to buy permission to use other devices through your cell data plan.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
soco Avatar
194 months ago
It works and I'm scared.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sukanas Avatar
194 months ago
its moments like these im glad i signed up for twitter..
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
194 months ago
I'm a little concerned that I dropped $15 on an app so easily.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macduke Avatar
194 months ago
I can verify that this app does work. Don't hesitate people! This is Netshare all over again. MOVE MOVE MOVE!

I'm posting this using my iPhone's data connection. Only issue so far is that if I close the app on my iPhone and reopen it, I have to restart the app on the Mac side. Otherwise it works like a dream!
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
194 months ago
This story and thread is very funny and intertaining to follow as a longtime Android user who's been able to wireless tether my crappy little overclocked $120 LG Optimus V smartphone rooted and custom rom'ed with Gingerbread bumblebee 2.2.3. I've never once had to pay a single extra dime to tether - being that my cheap but highly useful Android phones data plan is unlimited via Virgin Mobile. I pay 27.50 a month an unlimited 3g data plan with 300 anytime minutes (which I never fully use each month). My totally contract-free, pay as you go Android phone can operate at speeds that at leat approach the performance of a iPhone 3G, and even a 4G when I overclock the phones CPU to by up to 60%. The phone also has the neat little ability to side-load all of my potential content - bypassing any official iTunes- like gauntlet to install my apps, music, movies, or whatever other content I choose via the phones memory expanding 32GB micro SD card. I also can swap out the battery anytime I need to for a freshly charged new one at will.
This last September while vacationing for several weeks in a remote seaside resort, I was able to exclusively use my LG Optimus V as my sole WiFi hotspot - providing enough bandwidth for myself and another friend visiting me for the last week of my visit. We were both quite able to very comfortably surf the web, email, text, do some light downloading --- also uploading to my dropbox, and even stream a bit of non-HD video on our MacBook Pro's without so much as a data hick-up, stall, or glitch. It was so impressive, that my die-hard iPhone iOS friend is now looking into getting an Android smartphone of his very own so that he can finally be completely free to use and abuse his phone data and it's wireless data capabilities as he so desires - without gimmicks, usb cables, fear of having any big bag AT&T TeleMonster looking over his shoulder and threatening him with having to pay extra $$$$ for more data BS charges.
There is even an iPhone refugee forum @ VM that has countless other formerly self-imprisoned and price-gouged iOS/iPhone consumers that just can't believe how much more open and customizable they can get on a non iOS platform - being finally able to do the simplest of mobile tech things like: wirelessly tethering their Android phone to most any other WiFi and/or bluetooth capable device - even with most of Apple's WiFi capable devices such as any Macbook pro. I regularly wirelessly tether my WiFi only Motorola Xoom tablet to my LG Phone - instantly converting it to a 3g Tablet wherever I can pick-up a signal (which is almost always nearly 5 bars most anywhere I have traveled within the continental US).
It's really inconprehensible that there are still millions of folks out there paying Apple/AT$T/Verizon an average of nearly $100 a month (and much more for those who do officially use the outrageously over-priced tethering data plans via the exclusive iPhone carriers).

But your phone is a piece of crap.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Latest Stories
Microsoft Launches $2,599 Surface Laptop Ultra to Take on MacBook Pro
Microsoft Launches $2,599 Surface Laptop Ultra to Take on MacBook Pro
2 hours ago
Google's SynthID AI Detector is Now Available to Everyone
Google's SynthID AI Detector is Now Available to Everyone
3 hours ago
ChatGPT Gets GPT-6 and New Intelligent UI With Visual Answers
ChatGPT Gets GPT-6 and New Intelligent UI With Visual Answers
4 hours ago
Get AirPods Pro 3 for $179, Apple Watch for $199, and More Before Prime Day Ends Today
Get AirPods Pro 3 for $179, Apple Watch for $199, and More Before Prime Day Ends Today
4 hours ago
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Score 4/10 for Repairability
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Score 4/10 for Repairability
5 hours ago
Apple Launches Creative Labs Program With The King's Trust
Apple Launches Creative Labs Program With The King's Trust
5 hours ago
Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 Owners Report Skin Irritation
Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 Owners Report Skin Irritation
7 hours ago
Boston's MBTA Testing New Charlie Card With Apple Wallet Support
Boston's MBTA Testing New Charlie Card With Apple Wallet Support
9 hours ago
Manchester's Bee Card Now Fully Supported in Apple Wallet
Manchester's Bee Card Now Fully Supported in Apple Wallet
10 hours ago
You Can Get Up to $149 Off Every New Mac Mini During Prime Day
You Can Get Up to $149 Off Every New Mac Mini During Prime Day
11 hours ago
Best Buy Takes $260 Off All iPhone Air Models During Techtober Sale
Best Buy Takes $260 Off All iPhone Air Models During Techtober Sale
12 hours ago
The Best Anker Prime Day Deals: Score Big on MagSafe Chargers and More
The Best Anker Prime Day Deals: Score Big on MagSafe Chargers and More
12 hours ago
12 New Things to Expect From Apple in October
12 New Things to Expect From Apple in October
12 hours ago
Prime Day Offers Best TV Prices of the Year From Samsung, Sony, and More
Prime Day Offers Best TV Prices of the Year From Samsung, Sony, and More
12 hours ago
First Look at LG's Smart Home Products Made With Apple
First Look at LG's Smart Home Products Made With Apple
13 hours ago
Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Ultra 4 See Record Discounts During Prime Day
Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Ultra 4 See Record Discounts During Prime Day
14 hours ago
Apple Drops Intel Macs From Magic Mouse/Trackpad Compatibility Lists
Apple Drops Intel Macs From Magic Mouse/Trackpad Compatibility Lists
14 hours ago
Apple Reportedly Waiting on Samsung for Ultimate Bezel-Free iPhone Display
Apple Reportedly Waiting on Samsung for Ultimate Bezel-Free iPhone Display
14 hours ago
Apple's Own Home Security Camera Still Coming Next Year
Apple's Own Home Security Camera Still Coming Next Year
16 hours ago
Unfolded iPhone Duo Lets You Preview Documents in a Two-Page Layout
Unfolded iPhone Duo Lets You Preview Documents in a Two-Page Layout
16 hours ago
Formula 1 Coverage on Apple TV to Get Dolby Atmos Later This Month
Formula 1 Coverage on Apple TV to Get Dolby Atmos Later This Month
18 hours ago
LG Making Doorbell, Lock, and Cameras for Apple's Home Hub
LG Making Doorbell, Lock, and Cameras for Apple's Home Hub
1 day ago
Apple to Report Q4 2026 Earnings on November 2
Apple to Report Q4 2026 Earnings on November 2
1 day ago
Three Years of 80% Charge Limits on iPhone: The Results
Three Years of 80% Charge Limits on iPhone: The Results
1 day ago
macOS 27.2 Further Hints at MacBook With Touch-Enabled OLED Display
macOS 27.2 Further Hints at MacBook With Touch-Enabled OLED Display
1 day ago
The 15 Best Apple Deals Under $200 for Prime Day
The 15 Best Apple Deals Under $200 for Prime Day
1 day ago
AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 Get Big Price Drops for Prime Day
AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 Get Big Price Drops for Prime Day
1 day ago
Apple Releases Second Public Betas of iOS 27.2 and macOS Golden Gate 27.2
Apple Releases Second Public Betas of iOS 27.2 and macOS Golden Gate 27.2
1 day ago
'Crossy Road Rush' Launching Exclusively on Apple Arcade in November
'Crossy Road Rush' Launching Exclusively on Apple Arcade in November
1 day ago
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 12 Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading?
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 12 Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading?
1 day ago