Hotspot Guard monitors data usage across applications connected through an iPhone hotspot and intervenes when apps consume more than configured thresholds. The tool addresses situations where background app activity—cloud sync, automatic updates, or developer tooling—unexpectedly drains a cellular data plan. (Free, early access)
Per-app data limits can be set on a per-minute or per-hour basis with customizable enforcement levels. Response options range from notifications to automatic network blocking when a limit is exceeded. The system automatically detects metered connections, activating only when the Mac is tethered via iPhone hotspot and remaining inactive on regular Wi-Fi.
Local network traffic such as AirDrop and Bonjour services is excluded from data counts, so file transfers and local service discovery do not trigger alerts. A monthly budget tracker forecasts when the current usage rate will exhaust the plan.
Specific apps can be blocked outright from hotspot access, useful for preventing large downloads from developer tools or cloud services from consuming cellular data. All monitoring runs locally with no telemetry and no account requirement.
System requirements: macOS 14 Sonoma or later. Apple Silicon processor required. Developer ID signed and Apple notarized.
Pricing: (Free, early access) Final pricing has not been announced.
Limitations: Currently in early access with pricing undetermined. Requires Apple Silicon, excluding Intel Mac users. Effectiveness depends on how accurately macOS reports per-app data attribution.
Alternatives: macOS Screen Time (basic network limits), Little Snitch (firewall with per-app network control), Lulu (open-source outbound firewall).
Suitable for remote workers, travelers, and developers who need to control which applications consume cellular data when working on a limited iPhone hotspot.
