ThinLinc client for Mac

ThinLinc Client for Mac - Overview

ThinLinc Client for Mac is the official macOS client for Cendio ThinLinc, providing secure remote access to Linux desktops and applications from a Mac. It connects to centralized ThinLinc servers and presents remote Linux environments through a responsive graphical desktop while applications continue running on the server. The native client supports features such as encrypted SSH connections, persistent sessions, audio, clipboard integration, multiple displays, and configurable remote desktop settings. ThinLinc 4.21.0 requires macOS Ventura 13 or later.

Remote desktop highlights

• Connect from macOS to full remote Linux desktops and applications hosted on ThinLinc servers.
• Use SSH-based encrypted connections for secure access to remote environments.
• Disconnect and later resume persistent Linux sessions without closing running applications.
• Use multiple displays and configure the size and layout of the remote desktop.
• Copy and paste content between the local Mac and remote Linux environment.
• Access remote audio and other native-client functionality for a more complete desktop experience.

Built for Mac-to-Linux workflows

ThinLinc Client is particularly useful for Mac users who need regular access to Linux software, development environments, scientific applications, engineering tools, or centralized organizational desktops. Applications execute on the remote Linux servers while the Mac handles the local client interface, allowing demanding software and datasets to remain on centralized infrastructure.

Secure remote connections

ThinLinc's native client uses SSH as the foundation for communication with ThinLinc servers. This allows organizations to take advantage of established SSH authentication and security practices while providing users with a graphical remote desktop rather than a command-line-only connection.

Persistent sessions and Mac integration

Remote sessions can continue running on the ThinLinc server after a Mac disconnects. Users can reconnect later and return to the same applications and desktop state, making ThinLinc useful for long-running development, research, and professional workflows. Clipboard synchronization, display configuration, audio, and other client features help integrate the remote Linux environment with the local Mac.

Apple Silicon compatibility

The current ThinLinc macOS client is an Intel-based application and runs on Apple Silicon Macs through Apple's Rosetta 2 translation technology. Cendio is developing a native Apple Silicon version and stated in July 2026 that it was targeting the end of 2026 for availability, although that target is not a firm commitment. Rosetta remains fully supported through macOS 27, while Apple plans to substantially reduce Rosetta support beginning with macOS 28.

Performance and device compatibility

ThinLinc 4.21.0 raises the minimum supported Mac operating system to macOS Ventura 13. Users running older versions of macOS need to upgrade their operating system to use the latest ThinLinc client.

Alternative to consider

• RealVNC Viewer — a cross-platform remote desktop client that allows Mac users to connect to computers running compatible VNC servers.