[NFBCS] iSH: an accessible SSH option and Linux shell for iOS

[Michael Forzano]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share iSH Shell as an option for anyone looking for an
accessible way to SSH into another computer from an iPhone or iPad
using VoiceOver. It’s free and open source.

Unlike a dedicated SSH app, iSH also runs a local Alpine Linux
environment on your device. You can install command-line tools using
Alpine’s package manager.

To get started with SSH, open iSH and run:

apk update
apk add openssh-client

Then connect as you would from a computer:

ssh username at hostname

I’m using it with Tailscale to SSH into the computer running Hermes
Agent when I need direct terminal access. Tailscale provides a private
connection between my phone and that computer, so I don’t need to
expose an SSH port to the public internet.

As a quick aside, Hermes Agent is an open-source AI agent from Nous
Research. It can work with files, write and edit code, run commands,
and carry out tasks—not just answer questions. I’ve been developing
apps by talking to it through iMessage or Discord: describing what I
want, having it implement changes, testing them, and sending back
feedback. Most of that interaction happens right in the messaging app,
with iSH available when I need to get into the computer directly.

Beyond SSH, having a local Linux shell means you can work with files,
run shell scripts, use tools such as Git and Python, and experiment
with Linux commands without needing a separate computer or remote
server. Local tasks can also work without an internet connection once
the necessary packages are installed.

It isn’t a full Linux desktop, and not every program will work. iOS
also limits what apps can keep doing in the background. But for remote
access and some command-line work on the go, it’s worth a look.

App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ish-shell/id1436902243

iSH website:
https://ish.app

Hermes Agent:
https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com

Mike
Written with assistance from Hermes Agent