At WWDC 2021, Apple introduced Universal Control, a new Continuity feature that will premiere with macOS Monterey. Following on from macOS Big Sur in 2020, macOS Monterey will be the next big update for the Mac operating system. While the next versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS and watchOS improve the experience on specific devices, Universal Control is set to improve the experience across devices.
Apple's Continuity features are designed to offer greater connectivity and usability between the company's devices, creating an ecosystem that users can take advantage of every day. For example, authorizing Apple Pay on a Mac via an iPhone. Apple users can also transfer photos and other media from an iPhone to a Mac, thanks to the Universal Clipboard, or open an illustration created on an iPad in a document on a Mac. AirDrop is a similar Continuity feature that many Apple users are likely to already be familiar with, thanks to the ability to wirelessly transfer photos and videos from one Apple device to another.
Universal Control is one of two new Continuity features that users can look forward to and offers the opportunity to use one mouse and keyboard to wirelessly connect a Mac with an iPad. By setting the iPad down next to a Mac, the trackpad can then be used to drag the cursor from the Mac right to the iPad screen. The Mac cursor will even appear on the iPad screen, and can move seamlessly between the two devices. The Mac trackpad can also be used to open and close documents on the iPad or return to the iPad home screen, while the Mac keyboard can be used to search on the iPad. Universal Control is not just for connecting one Mac and iPad device, however, as an iMac can also be added to the equation, allowing the user to transfer mostly anything from one device to either of the others and all at the same time. The developer beta including Universal Control is available now, while a public beta is expected to start rolling out next month.
AirPlay To Mac Is Another Exciting Continuity Feature
AirPlay to Mac is another upcoming feature that's designed to improve the connection between Mac and other Apple devices. With AirPlay to Mac, the Mac’s retina display and HiFi sound system can be used to share a variety of media, from a movie or a photo album to a work presentation. For example, using the Mac's display to view videos accessed on the iPad or use the Mac as a secondary speaker when playing audio in more than one room.
Introducing new ways to keep Apple devices connected is a great way to encourage users to invest in multiple Apple devices, since they all work easily and seamlessly together. Although these new features are specifically designed with Mac in mind, Apple has been rolling out other Continuity features for many of its non-Mac devices recently, including the ability to unlock an iPhone with an Apple Watch, even while wearing a mask.
Source: Apple