In the WWDC2021 (Worldwide Developer Conference), Apple has introduced macOS version 12, known as macOS Monterey. It replaces the existing macOS Big Sur. The new macOS brings outstanding changes in FaceTime, Safari, Quick Notes, Live Text, AirPlay, Universal Control, Messages, Focus, and many more. Universal Control grabs everyone’s attention for its extraordinary function. It enables the user to handle Mac, iMac, and iPad with a single control. We will look in detail at the Universal Control in the below section.
Apple launched the beta version of macOS Monterey for the developers, and it is expected to release the public beta version very soon. The macOS Monterey will be launched this September. You can get the Universal Control on the macOS Monterey as well as on iPad with iPadOS 15. Apple focuses on creating an advanced Apple device environment with an uninterrupted connection.
What is Universal Control?
Universal Control is accessing multiple Apple devices with a keyboard, mouse, trackpad. It is created to work seamlessly on these devices without switching for the controls. For example, you can use the MacBook keyboard and trackpad to handle iPad and iMac. Thereby, the mouse can also move across devices. It can connect up to three devices at a time. The user has to place the devices nearby, and it creates a Wi-Fi direct connection for the Universal Control.
The criteria for this feature is signing in to the same Apple ID for quick switching. It provides a sidebar on the device to indicate the movement across the device. The sidebar length can be adjusted and place on one corner. You could work on MacBook and scroll the trackpad to the corner to get into the iPad. The iPad displays the sidebar and it disappears as you move further. You can use the MacBook keyboard to type something on the iPad app or browser.
Universal Control can share the files across the devices instantly. For example, you can choose any file on your iPad and drag them to your Mac or iMac to drop it there. Make sure that the necessary app or website is already opened to receive the files. The System Preferences will have a Continuous Control option to connect the device all time without moving the cursor.
Supported Devices
The Universal Control supports devices running on new macOS Monterey and iPadOS 15. Here are certain Apple devices that will get the above-mentioned OS updates.
Mac
The Mac devices are iMac, MacBook, Pro, and Mini.
- iMac (2017 and after)
- iMac pro
- MacBook (2016 and after)
- Mac Pro
- MacBook Pro (2016 and after)
- Mac Mini (2018 and after)
- MacBook Air (2018 and after)
iPad
The iPad comes in many variants currently iPad, Mini, Pro, and Air.
- iPad (6th gen and above)
- iPad Pro
- Air (3rd gen and above)
- Mini (5th gen and above)
Note: If you’re an iOS user, here are the things that you need to know about iOS 15 & its features.
The Universal Control improves productivity and reduces the time involved in file sharing. It is well suitable for multi-tasking, where you can perform a few tasks on a device and integrate them with other tasks on another device without any trouble. The control works better than screen sharing, and it helps in completing the task much earlier.
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