Differences between Mac's new features "Universal Control" and "SIDECAR"

Apple (Apple) has released a new function that can be used by connecting Mac and iPad in the beta version of iPados and MacOS.This is the second way to connect Mac and iPad after Sidecar, which appeared in 2019.This article describes what you can do with each function, how to use, and differences.

If you don't know the difference between universal control and SIDECAR, raise your hands honestly!(Look, don't be shy.) Both functions can use Mac and iPad simultaneously, use the same Wi-Fi network as the same Apple ID, and after the settings are almost automatically automatically.There are many things in common, such as functioning.

In one word, SIDECAR aims to extend the Mac display to the iPad, and the universal control can operate both Mac and iPad using a Mac keyboard and mouse (or trackpad).am.In other words, the purpose of SIDECAR is on the display, and the purpose of universal control focuses on the input device.

How to use Sidecar

With SIDECAR, you can use the iPad as the second display of Mac.It is the same as the feeling of connecting an external monitor.If both are signed in to the same Apple ID and connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can connect two USB cables, Lightning cables, or wirelessly.

As for the system conditions, the Mac side must be equipped with MacOS after Catalina, and the iPad side must have iPados 13 or later.

The Mac compatible model is as follows.

・ MacBook Pro (model released after 2016)

・ MacBook (model released after 2016)

・ MacBook Air (model released after 2018)

・ IMac (model released after 2017) or iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)

・ Mac mini (model released after 2018)

・ Mac Pro (model released in 2019)

・ IMac Pro

The iPad compatible models are as follows.

・ IPad (model released after 2018)

・ IPad mini (model released after 2019)

・ IPad Air (model released after 2019)

・ IPad Pro (all models)

Mac and iPad, which have been released in recent years, will work without any problems.

ワイヤレスで接続する場合は、両方のデバイスのWi-FiとBluetooth、そしてHandoffによる連係機能を有効にしておく必要があります。iPadでは｢設定｣>｢一般｣>｢AirPlay と Handoff｣の順に進んで｢Handoff｣をオンにし、Macでは｢システム環境設定｣>｢一般｣から｢この Mac と iCloud デバイス間での Handoff を許可｣を選択します。これでSidecarを使うための準備が整いました。

To enable SIDECAR

macOSの場合、メニューバーのコントロールセンターアイコンをクリックします。ここまでの準備が正しくできていれば、ディスプレイのオプションとしてiPadデバイスが表示されるはずなので、これを選択します。これでMacのディスプレイがiPadに拡張されます。ディスプレイをミラーリングしたい場合はコントロールセンターから設定します。その他のオプションもMacの｢システム環境設定｣>｢Sidecar｣から選択可能です。

To move the window on the Mac to the iPad, you can simply drag it and move it, or hover the cursor on the green full screen button on the upper left of the window. The option is displayed. "Move to iPad.You can move the window by selecting.The iPad touch screen cannot be used for Mac -side applications, but Apple Pencil can be used as usual.However, it will be used for MacOS instead of iPados.Also, if you tap the Sidecar icon in the iPad's Dock, you can quickly switch the role of the iPad home screen and the second display of the Mac.

How to use universal control

Next, let's look at the universal control released from Apple the other day.In this feature, the keyboard and mouse (or trackpad) are shared between two units, not the display.In other words, iPad runs iPados to the last, and Mac continues to run MacOS.Universal control can also connect two Macs.(You cannot connect two iPads.)

The condition of the hardware is the same as Sidecar, which corresponds to the Mac and iPad model mentioned above.The latest version of the software must be installed, and at the time of writing this article, it can be used only in the beta version of iPados and MacOS.In addition, the two signing in to the same Apple ID, connecting to the same Wi-Fi network, and both enabling Handoff are common to the SIDECAR use conditions.increase.

To use universal control

iPadの｢設定｣>｢一般｣>｢AirPlay と Handoff｣の順に進んで｢カーソルとキーボード｣をオンにします。｢Handoff｣もオンになっていることを確認してください。設定が済んだら、Mac画面の端にカーソルを動かせば、わずかな遅れの後にiPad画面にカーソルが出現します。これで、Mac側のマウス（もしくはトラックパッド）とキーボードを使用してiPadを操作できるようになります。

Unlike Sidecar, the display is not expanded in universal control, but the cursor can freely go back and forth between the two units.In addition, there are other features as follows.(1) To drag and drop files between Mac and iPad.However, there are restrictions on the corresponding app.(2) Combination of Mac + iPad + 2nd Mac is also possible.(3) Apple Pencil can be input only on the iPad side.(4) It supports only wireless, and cable connection is not possible.

The iPados has long been compatible with mouse and keyboard operations, but in the case of new universal control, the most convenient is when the iPad is set up near the Mac.You can operate multiple devices using a single input device, so users who often work between iPads and Macs on a regular basis will be able to realize the effects of seamless work and improving efficiency.。

So, in this article, we have introduced two functions, SIDECAR and Universal Control, but at first glance it seems that there are many common points, and you can see that each of them has a different purpose.Apple is expected to enhance both functions and custom options in the future.The border between iPad and Mac may become even more ambiguous in the future.

Note: This article is posted with special permission for interviews.