In at least one embodiment, a mobile device system includes an external display device in communication with a mobile device. The mobile device has a touchscreen display, an operating system and at least one additional software component executed by processing component(s), where one or more input signals from the display are communicated to the operating system. The at least one additional software component generates output signals based upon one or more image signals communicated at least indirectly from the operating system. The external display device receives the output signals and based thereon displays an image having two components, one of which is reflective of a mobile device status/operational condition and is substantially similar to another image that would have been displayed on the touchscreen display if the external display device and mobile device were not in communication. Methods of operating such mobile device systems, and mobile devices, are also disclosed.