We first got a glimpse of Universal Control last year at Apple’s WWDC event in June. Since then, Apple had only been prolonging the inclusion of Universal Control in consecutive iPadOS and macOS updates. Though much later than anticipated, Universal Control on Mac and iPad is now finally live, and all you need is a compatible Mac and iPad to enjoy this feature.
What’s Universal Control?
Before we begin, let us give you an overview of the feature. Universal Control allows users with Mac and iPad devices to control them all with one trackpad and keyboard. The feature works between multiple Apple devices.
Apart from sharing the same trackpad and keyboard, you can also drag and drop files across the connected devices. When we tried the feature out after the new update, we did notice some issues while scrolling on the iPad using the MacBook’s trackpad. Still, we expect Apple to fix these issues in upcoming updates since the feature is still in beta stages.
Does Your Mac or iPad Support Universal Control?
Check the list below to see if your device is compatible:
- MacBook (2016 or later)
- MacBook Pro (2016 or later)
- MacBook Air (2018 or later)
- Mac mini (2018 or later)
- iMac (2017 or later)
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac Pro (2019 or later)
- All iPad Pro models
- iPad (6 or later)
- iPad Air (3 or later)
- iPad mini (5 or later)
How to Use Apple’s Universal Control
Universal Control on iPad running c and Macs with macOS 12.3 can work without any set-up. However, there are certain settings you must check if you haven’t been able to use Universal Control.
- Both your iPad and Mac should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- You must log in via the same Apple ID on your devices.
- At least one Mac is needed for Universal Control to work.
- Ensure that Bluetooth is turned on for both devices.
- On your iPad, head to System Preferences > General > AirPlay & Handoff. Then, using the toggle switch, enable Handoff and Cursor and Keyboard.
- On your Mac, head to System Preferences > Displays, click Universal Control, then click the checkbox next to Allow your cursor and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad.
- Enable Push through the edge of a display to reconnect a nearby Mac or iPad.
You can also enable automatic connection via the last option in the same menu bar.
So this was your guide on how Universal Control works between Mac and iPad. Have more questions? Drop them in the comments section.
