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(Pocket-lint) – During WWDC 2021, Apple introduced a new feature for the Mac. Well, technically it’s also for iPad, but it will be activated with a macOS Monterey update. Called Universal Control, it will let you control multiple Apple devices – including an iMac, MacBook, and iPad – all with the same keyboard and mouse. Here is what you need to know.
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What is universal control?
Apple updates its continuity system with Universal Control. It lets you work with one mouse and one keyboard and move between Mac and iPad for a seamless experience, no setup required. You can drag and drop content between devices, with your mouse moving across all of their screens as if they were attached.
When will Universal Control be available?
Apple’s universal control feature has been delayed again, the website the company now indicating that it will not happen until “this spring”.
How does universal control work?
As Universal Control is not yet available (although you can test it in the Monterey beta), everything described below is subject to change.
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No configuration required
Apple presented Universal Control at WWDC 2021. Apple SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi demonstrated how he could use Universal Control to put the finishing touches on a Procreate artwork on his iPad, then jump to a presentation on his MacBook. All he did was put his iPad next to his Mac. Without any further configuration, Federighi touched his MacBook’s trackpad and moved the cursor to his iPad, then the iPad automatically recognized it. Cared for!
Although Apple has stated that no configuration is required, your Apple devices will likely need to be registered under the same Apple ID and operate on the same network. We’re also assuming that the ability to turn off universal control will also be buried under your continuity settings. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more.
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Control your devices with a single trackpad and keyboard
During Federighi’s presentation, the cursor on his MacBook completely jumped from his laptop to the iPad screen. He could then use the cursor to control the tablet.
He also demonstrated by moving the slider back and forth effortlessly between the two devices. Again, using only his MacBook’s trackpad, he clicked and closed a Procreate document on his iPad and clicked to return to his iPad’s home screen. It even slipped between the pages of apps. Federighi could also control his iPad with the MacBook’s built-in keyboard. He opened Spotlight, then typed Notes to open this app. He then used the Command tab to return to Procreate.
Finally, Federighi showed how he can drag and drop files between devices. He took a drawing in Procreate on his Pad and stumbled upon a keynote on his Mac.
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Universal Control works with more than two devices
One of the best things about Universal Control is that you can use it with multiple Macs and iPads, not just two. During Federighi’s presentation, he showed how Universal Control can work on an iMac, MacBook and iPad at the same time. Using the MacBook’s keyboard and trackpad, he controlled his nearby iMac. He also switched to using the Mac keyboard and mouse. With these, he dragged a text image in Procreate on his iPad on all three devices to Final Cut on his iMac.
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Which Apple devices offer universal control?
When Universal Control becomes available, it will work on any Mac capable of running macOS Monterey and any iPad capable of running iPadOS 15.
To see if your devices will be eligible, check out our guides:
Want to know more?
Pocket-lint offers feature summaries on macOS Monterey and iPadOS 15. Apple also issued a press release detailing Universal Control here.
