Stealward is a Mac menu bar app that provides anti-theft protection for unattended devices and nearby belongings in public spaces such as cafés, libraries, and airport lounges. It operates on a two-device model: one Mac or iOS device is left behind in protection mode while a second device receives real-time alerts and streams live video from the guarded location. (Freemium, Pro $5.99/month)
Protection mode locks the guarded device and replaces the screen with a quiet cover rather than exposing files or apps. Motion, power-disconnect, and network-change sensors trigger instant push notifications to the carried device. When deterrence is required, the app can play a loud alarm on tamper detection. The carried device receives live Lock Screen activity updates throughout the session.
Live View provides end-to-end encrypted video streaming from the guarded device, accessible in under a second on a reliable connection. The session log records events with timestamps, and users can scrub back through recorded footage to review or export specific moments. AI Watchdog — available on the Pro plan — analyzes camera frames and delivers plain-language threat descriptions such as “hand reaching near bag” or “item moved.” Privacy is built into the account model: no email address, phone number, or name is collected, and all recorded video, audio, and thumbnails remain end-to-end encrypted.
System requirements: macOS on Apple Silicon; iOS 26 or later for the companion iPhone/iPad app. An active internet connection is required for live video streaming and alert delivery.
Pricing: Free tier (motion/power alerts, loud alarm, one session at a time); Lite $3.99/month or $29.99/year (live video, 14-day recordings, 2 concurrent sessions); Pro $5.99/month or $39.99/year after the introductory period (AI Watchdog, live rewind, Picture in Picture, 60 streaming hours, 5 concurrent sessions). A 5-day Pro trial is available when linking the first iPhone or iPad, with no payment method required.
Limitations: On Mac, protection is best-effort — the app cannot guarantee the device stays locked if someone forces a restart. Intel Mac support is not confirmed. AI Watchdog sends still frames to a third-party model provider during live sessions. Remote control and a coding-agent monitoring mode are listed as coming soon and are not yet available.
Alternatives: Prey (cross-platform anti-theft with remote lock and location tracking), Find My (Apple’s built-in location and remote lock, no video), Hidden (Mac anti-theft with remote wipe and stealth mode).
Suitable for users who frequently work in public spaces and need real-time monitoring of unattended Macs or iOS devices and nearby valuables.
