There aren't really any “devices” in most science fiction. Characters move windows from one screen to the next, constantly, without thinking about it. Tech doesn't work like that in real life—but it's getting closer.
The latest operating systems from Apple make it possible to control your iPad using the mouse and keyboard on your Mac. It kind of makes these two devices into one, and it feels vaguely like the future.
This new feature, called Universal Control, is currently in beta. It's not quite science-fiction levels of integration, but it feels close. It lets you drag files from your Mac over to applications on your iPad, or copy text on one device and paste it in the other.
Once you enable the feature, it's automatic, meaning if your iPad is close to your Mac you will be able to control it. Here's how to get started.
How to Enable Universal Control
This is a new, technically beta feature, and it won't work with older Macs or iPads. Check the list of compatible devices, although any device made in the past four or so years should work. You'll also need to install macOS 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4 or later, if you haven't yet, and sign in to iCloud on both devices.
With that out of the way, let's turn this feature on. First, on your iPad, open Settings. Tap General, then AirPlay & Handoff.
From here, enable the Cursor and Keyboard setting.
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On your Mac, head to System Preferences and open Displays.
Click the Universal Control button.
A window will open—check the boxes you see to enable the feature. Next, click the Add Display option and you'll see the Link Keyboard and Mouse option. You should see your iPad here, assuming it's turned on.
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Click your iPad, and you should be able to move your mouse over to it and start interacting! Here's how that looks:
Note that you can configure “where” your iPad is relative to your Mac, similar to the way you configure other displays. Just drag the iPad in the display window.
My favorite thing about this is that once it's set up you don't need to think about it. Apple calls this feature a beta, but in my experience it's very stable. I've been using it off and on for a couple of months and haven't had any problems.
Use Your iPad as Another Screen
Universal control allows you to control your iPad using your Mac, but you may just want to use your iPad as an extra display. You can do that using Sidecar. Make sure you check the system requirements, but most recent devices should work.
To get started, head back to Displays on your Mac's system setting. Click Add Display again, then click your iPad in the Mirror or extend to section.
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Just like that, your iPad will turn into another display, complete with its own virtual touch bar. Here's how that looks.
You can switch back to Universal Control by clicking your iPad under Link Keyboard and Mouse again. This means you can use your iPad either way, whenever you like.
The setup process is just a little more complicated than seems necessary, but once you get it working it really does feel like science fiction. I hope it comes in handy for you.
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