What Monterey feature lets one keyboard and mouse control Macs and iPads?

The story behind the answer

What Monterey feature lets one keyboard and mouse control Macs and iPads? Universal Control.

Universal Control debuted with macOS Monterey, released in 2021, as a way to use one Mac keyboard and pointing device across nearby Macs and iPads. Move the pointer to the edge of a Mac's screen and it can flow onto an iPad, making the devices feel like one connected workspace. Text and files can also be dragged between supported devices.

The feature is part of Apple's Continuity ecosystem and relies on compatible hardware, signed-in Apple accounts, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and enabled device-discovery settings. It is not the same as controlling an iPad through a virtual remote desktop; each device continues running its own operating system and apps.

Sidecar is the frequent confusion: Sidecar makes an iPad an additional Mac display, whereas Universal Control shares input across separate screens. AirDrop transfers files, and Handoff moves activities between devices.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Aug. 2026

Add question to a list

Choose a list to keep this question in: