Working Copy

Working Copy is a Git client for iOS that lets users clone repositories, edit files, commit changes, and push work to remote repositories. Its free plan is free and supports 5 repositories; a 10-day trial is also listed. Users can commit offline and push after reconnecting. It has dedicated support for GitHub, Bitbucket, and GitLab, and can clone from a repository URL for other providers. Shortcuts actions cover repository-file access, commits, pulls, pushes, and syncing. The app works with external editors including Textastic, iA Writer, Ulysses, and 1Writer, and supports pull requests for Bitbucket, GitHub, and GitLab. Git LFS, submodules, interactive rebase, and a conflict editor are listed. Filesystem encryption makes repositories available only while the device is unlocked. PGP signing is free; SSH signing is a Pro feature for qualifying purchasers. The one-time Pro unlock permanently enables features available at purchase and Pro features added over the next 12 months; later additions need an upgrade. Students can access all features through the GitHub Education Pack. Conflicted images and other binary files must be resolved by choosing one version.

Working Copy offers repository management on iOS, with offline commits, hosting integrations, and automation actions. Before choosing it, note the five-repository free-plan limit and that conflicted binary files cannot be combined in its Resolve tool.

Working Copy suits iOS users who need to manage Git repositories on a mobile device, including offline commits and supported hosting services. Its Shortcuts actions and external-editor integrations may also suit users with automated or editor-based workflows.

Overview

Working Copy brings Git repository work to iPhone and iPad. It is a strong fit for developers who need to manage repositories between a desktop session and wherever they are working. Its mobile-specific automation and offline commits stand out, though the free plan’s five-repository limit makes it better as a selective toolkit than an unlimited free repository library.

Key features

The app can clone, edit, commit, and push repositories, including making commits offline and pushing them once the device reconnects. That is useful for preserving work without a dependable connection, but it does not remove the need to get online to send changes upstream. Special support for GitHub, Bitbucket, GitLab, and other hosting providers covers common workflows; for a provider without dedicated support, cloning by repository URL offers a practical fallback.

Support for Git LFS, submodules, interactive rebase, and a conflict editor gives it reach beyond basic commit-and-push work. Working Copy can also create pull requests for Bitbucket, GitHub, and GitLab, keeping several hosting tasks within the iOS workflow. The Resolve tool cannot combine conflicted images or other binary files, however: users must select one version, so binary-heavy projects may need another way to resolve conflicts.

Shortcuts actions can read and write repository files, commit, pull, push, and sync. That makes Working Copy a particularly capable option for people who want to automate recurring Git tasks on iOS. External-editor integrations include Textastic, iA Writer, Ulysses, and 1Writer, which suit users who prefer to edit in a dedicated app rather than in the Git client.

PGP commit signing is free. SSH commit signing is a Pro feature for users who purchased or upgraded on January 19, 2022 or later. Filesystem encryption keeps repositories accessible only while the device is unlocked. AI commit-message suggestions send staged differences to OpenAI, so they are a poor fit for sensitive repositories. Students can access all features for free through the GitHub Education Pack, and users can email questions for assistance.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and is capped at five repositories. It is a useful way to handle a small set of projects, but the cap is restrictive for anyone who wants to keep a larger working collection on the device. The pricing model is freemium, and a 10-day trial is offered.

Working Copy Pro Unlock has custom pricing. It enables pushing to remote repositories and all other Pro features, and permanently unlocks features available when purchased. That one-time unlock also includes Pro features added during the following 12 months; later Pro additions require an upgrade. The terms make the unlock suitable for users who want lasting access to the feature set at purchase, but not a guarantee that every future Pro feature will be included.

Platforms

Working Copy is available on iOS, making it a choice for iPhone and iPad workflows rather than a desktop Git client. The Mac version is getting ready for release, with a launch email sign-up offered. Git LFS, submodules, interactive rebase, and offline mode are supported on the iOS app.

Who it's for

Working Copy is best for developers who want repository management on an iPhone or iPad, especially those who value offline commits, Shortcuts automation, pull-request creation, or editing in an integrated external app. It is less suitable as the only tool for teams with many binary-file conflicts, or for users who need a desktop platform today. Anyone handling sensitive repositories should avoid AI commit-message suggestions because staged differences are sent to OpenAI.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Offline commits let users save changes without connectivity and push later.
• Pro: Shortcuts covers file access and core Git actions, enabling repeatable automation on iOS.
• Pro: Hosting integrations and pull-request creation cover GitHub, Bitbucket, and GitLab workflows.
• Con: The free plan stops at five repositories, limiting its usefulness for larger project collections.
• Con: The Resolve tool cannot merge conflicted binary files, requiring users to choose a version.
• Con: AI commit suggestions transmit staged differences to OpenAI, ruling them out for sensitive repositories.

Alternatives

For desktop work instead of iOS repository management, GitKraken Desktop has a free Community plan for open-source development that is limited to local repositories and public remotes, including public repositories only.

SmartGit is a desktop alternative with a Hobby plan offering its full feature set except enterprise integrations for personal, non-commercial use, with free registration required. Readers who want the Git command-line tool can consider Git, which is free and open source.

Other desktop options include Git Cola, Git Extensions, GitComet, Gitember, and Gitnuro. To compare more choices, see Git GUI Clients and Version Control Software.

Verdict

Choose Working Copy if you want serious Git repository management on iPhone or iPad, particularly for offline commits, iOS automation, and integrated hosting workflows. The main reasons to look elsewhere are the five-repository free cap and the inability to combine binary conflicts in Resolve; desktop-first users should choose a tool built for their platform.