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Apple introduced Universal Control at WWDC 2021, a feature that allows users to work across multiple Apple devices with a single keyboard and cursor, enabling effortless drag and drop.
Universal Control is a planned feature for iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey. It allows users to place three Apple devices in close proximity and use them with a single keyboard and mouse or trackpad. Once connected, a user can easily drag and drop files between the devices and switch between them as needed. If you place a second device near a compatible Mac, you can connect your devices using the Continuity features in the "AirPlay & Handoff" section of your Mac's Settings.
Universal Control: System can also be controlled manually
A gray bar appears on the side of paired devices. By dragging your cursor from one screen to another, you can "share" your keyboard and mouse control to another device. This can be especially useful for moving documents, files, and images between devices. Apple saysthat the devices use proximity to determine which device a user wants to connect. Based on the user's behavior, the system will arrange the computer and the other devices accordingly. This alignment can also be controlled manually in the "Monitors" control panel. But to what extent is not yet entirely clear. Since the feature is not yet available in beta, unfortunately I cannot test it.
Apple devices that support Universal Control on iPadOS 15 and macOS 12
These Macs and iPads support the feature:
- MacBook (from 2016)
- MacBook Air (from 2016)
- MacBook Pro (from 2016)
- iMac (from 2017)
- iMac Pro
- Mac mini (from 2018)
- Mac Pro
- iPad mini (fifth generation or later)
- iPad (sixth generation or later)
- iPad Air (third generation or later)
- iPad Pro
Users must be signed in to the same Apple ID on all devices via iCloud. The devices must have Bluetooth, WiFi and Handoff enabled and must be no more than 30 feet apart - according to Apple. iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, watchOS 8 and tvOS 15 will be rolled out this fall. According to Apple, all updates will be made available as public beta in July. (Image: Apple)
