What is Universal Control, a New macOS Monterey Feature

The latest major software update released by Apple is macOS Monterey and it comes with a multitude of exciting new features. However, to start maximizing the benefits these features provide, users must first become familiar with them. One of the great new additions is the Universal Control. So, what is it and how can you start using it?

Universal Control's Overview

The Universal Control falls in the set of features that comprise Apple's Continuity. It joins other features, such as Continuity Camera, Handoff, Sidecar and more. The goal of Continuity is to ingrate the different devices of the Apple ecosystem to an even greater degree, and allow users to start doing something on one and then continue on another seamlessly. The Continuity Camera, for example, allows one to take a photo or scan a document via an iPhone or iPad while controlling the process on a Mac. 

Universal Control's task is to give users the ability to transition from using the same wireless keyboard and mouse on a Mac smoothly and move to an iPad without having to first disconnect them from one of the devices and connect to the other. In practice, users can put the devices next to each other, and when you move the mouse cursor towards one of them it will be displayed on the screen. That device will become 'active' and you can control it via the mouse and keyboard. 

At first glance, the functionality may seem similar to what Sidecar does. The difference lies in that Sidecar is used to display a Mac interface on an iPad, while Universal Control keeps the iPad's native interface and applications. 

Under the Hood

To take advantage of the Continuity applications, certain conditions must first be cleared. All devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network and be signed in with the same iCloud account. In addition, Bluetooth must be enabled. These conditions also apply to Universal Control. 

When you put the two devices in close proximity to each other, their respective Bluetooth chip recognizes the other device, and Universal Control is activated. Now, when you move the mouse cursor towards the edge of the screen, an indicator will appear showing where the mouse pointer will appear on the other device. Users can align the two screens via two arrows that also will appear.