Apple Universal Control

Apple Universal Control

Apple Universal Control is a feature that allows users to use a single mouse, keyboard, and trackpad across multiple Apple devices. It wirelessly connects a Mac and iPad for fluid cross-device user experiences.
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Apple Universal Control: Seamless Cross-Device Experience

Apple Universal Control allows users to use a single mouse, keyboard, and trackpad across multiple Apple devices wirelessly, providing fluid cross-device user experiences

What is Apple Universal Control?

Apple Universal Control is a feature introduced in macOS Monterey and iPadOS 15 that enables users to seamlessly control multiple Apple devices with a single mouse, trackpad, and keyboard. It uses a wireless technology to connect a Mac and iPad, allowing the user to drag and drop content between devices or even use an iPad as a second Mac display.

Some key highlights of Apple Universal Control:

  • Works across Macs and iPads for a unified cross-device experience. For example, an artist can use an iPad for sketching with Apple Pencil while their Mac is connected to a graphics tablet.
  • Allows switching between devices and controlling them fluidly with the same mouse/trackpad/keyboard. This enables efficient multitasking and task handoff between devices.
  • Makes cross-device drag-and-drop extremely simple to transfer files, images, text, and more from one device screen to another.
  • Supports using an iPad as a secondary display to extend Mac desktop space. This gives added screen real estate for tasks like video editing, coding, and more.
  • Leverages secure wireless technology for the connectivity. Devices need to signed into the same iCloud account with Two-Factor Authentication enabled.

With its emphasis on simplifying cross-device coordination, Apple Universal Control offers valuable productivity and efficiency benefits to Apple users who work across multiple devices regularly.

Apple Universal Control Features

Features

  1. Seamless cross-device control
  2. Wireless connectivity between Mac and iPad
  3. Shared clipboard and drag-and-drop functionality
  4. Cursor and pointer synchronization
  5. Keyboard and mouse input across devices

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Enhances productivity by enabling seamless workflow across devices

Reduces the need for multiple input devices

Provides a consistent user experience across Apple ecosystem

Allows for easy file and content sharing between Mac and iPad

Cons

Limited to Apple devices only

Requires compatible hardware and software versions

May experience occasional connectivity issues or latency


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