
You'll still be able to access other iPad features when Sidecar is in action by swiping up from the bottom of the iPad. There will be no setup required.įor now, it's possible to automatically move an app window by hovering over the green icon in the top let of an app window on your map. You'll see a "Move to iPad" option in the menu that appears when you hover over the green icon, allowing you to move the app to the iPad's screen. You will be able to drag your macOS mouse over to an iPad, and drag and drop content back and forth between the different devices. When macOS 12 arrives, a feature called Universal Control will allow you to connect a Mac to an iPad and work with a single mouse or trackpad, and keyboard. Just as you can with a standard secondary display, you can drag apps and other things over to the iPad screen - including your mouse cursor. Once you're connected and the Sidecar feature is up and running, the iPad becomes a dumb display with a few nifty, extra tricks. For wireless mode to work, both devices need to have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Handoff turned on. Note: To switch from wired to wireless or vice versa, you'll need to disconnect the iPad from your Mac using the Sidecar menu bar or the disconnect button in the Sidebar, then reconnect. Sidecar supports one iPad at a time, but it can be used in conjunction with additional external displays. There are a range of options available when you click on the iPad icon, including Mirror Display, Hide or Show Sidebar, Show or Hide Touch Bar, Open Display Preferences and Open Sidecar Preferences. When Sidecar is in use, the AirPlay/Control Centre icon in the menu bar on your Mac will turn into an iPad icon. If you're running macOS Big Sur, open the Control Centre (icon in between search and Siri) and then choose your iPad from the menu. Instead, users simply connect to their iPad the same way they would any external display.įor those running macOS Catalina, you'll need to select the AirPlay menu in the menu bar on your Mac and then select your iPad from the menu. Sidecar doesn't require a dedicated app that has to load on either the Mac or the iPad. How to connect your iPad to your Mac using Sidecar It will work within a range of 10-metres and both devices - iPad and Mac - will need to be logged into the same iCloud account for Sidecar to work.

Sidecar works either with a direct wired connection (Lightning or USB Type-C) or wirelessly. It is designed to extend or mirror your desktop rather than work as an independent monitor for your Mac mini, for example. A low latency connection sends display video from Mac to iPad and tablet events from iPad to Mac.

Virtual display technology sends a second, virtual display to an iPad using an encrypted encoded stream. It uses Bluetooth to establish the initial connection, after which it switches to point-to-point Wi-Fi for data transfer. What does the Sidecar feature mean for Mac users and how does it all work? This is everything you need to know about Apple Sidecar.Īpple's Sidecar uses the same technology as Continuity. The feature also allows iPad Pro owners to use their tablet as an input device with an Apple Pencil. (Pocket-lint) - Apple's Sidecar is a feature that arrived with MacOS 10.15 Catalina, enabling you to turn an iPad into a second display, working alongside your Mac.
