Apple finally launches Universal Control
It was worth the wait, despite the months-long delay
When Apple unveiled its WWDC updates in June 2021, one of the most exciting new features was Universal Control. Apple explained this would let you control multiple Macs and iPads using a single keyboard and mouse. Disappointingly, though, the feature was nowhere to be seen for months on end – until now.
With macOS Monterey 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4, Apple has finally released Universal Control (at the time of writing, in beta form). As long as you have at least two compatible devices and the latest software, you can give it a try (see Apple’s website for info on requirements, etc). Universal Control lets you move a mouse pointer seamlessly from a MacBook to an iPad, for example, or from a MacBook to an iMac. You can go from typing on one device to the other with the same keyboard, and drag and drop files across devices. It’s much quicker and easier than emailing files to yourself or using AirDrop.
We’ve given it a try and found that when it works, it’s mind-blowingly effective. Being a beta, though, it did have a number of noticeable bugs. If it goes according to plan, Universal Control could become one of Apple’s best software features in years.