Universal Control Compatible Mac & iPad List
Wondering what Mac and iPad models are supported to use Universal Control? If you’re interested in knowing which iPad models support Universal Control, and which Macs can use Universal Control, you’re in the right place. Below we’ll go through the list of supported devices for Universal Control, and cover the other system requirements for using the feature as well.
For the unfamiliar, Universal Control is the great feature which allows a single keyboard and mouse to control multiple other Macs and iPads. It’s really handy, and makes using multiple Apple devices easier than ever.
Universal Control Compatible Macs List
Apple has said the following Macs are able to use Universal Control:
- MacBook Pro (2016 and later)
- MacBook (2016 and later)
- MacBook Air (2018 and later)
- iMac (2017 and later)
- iMac (5K Retina 27-inch, Late 2015 or later)
- iMac Pro (any model)
- Mac mini (2018 and later)
- Mac Pro (2019 and later)
Remember, all other Macs will also need to be running macOS Monterey 12.3 or later, and any iPads must be running iPadOS 15.4 or later, to be able to seamlessly use the same keyboard and mouse.
Universal Control iPad Compatibility List
Universal Control works with the following iPad models running iPadOS 15.4 or later:
- iPad Pro (all models)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (6th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
Again, all associated Macs must be running macOS 12.3 or later as well.
Universal Control Requirements for Mac & iPad
Assuming the Mac and iPad meets the hardware compatibility requirements, you’ll need to make sure the following requirements are also met:
- All Macs and iPads are running compatible system software (macOS 12.3 or later, iPadOS 15.4 or later)
- All devices must be physically nearby to one another (within 10 meters, but the closer the better for practical purposes)
- All Macs and iPads must be signed into the same Apple ID
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on
- Handoff enabled
- You can not be using Internet Connection Sharing / Wi-Fi Hotspot at the same time
Assuming all that to be the case, you should be ready to use Universal Control!
How do I Turn On Universal Control?
On the Mac, you can adjust Universal Control preferences via Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays > Universal Control > and make sure “Allow your cursor and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad” is checked enabled.
On the iPad, go to Settings > General > Airplay & Handoff > and make sure ‘Cursor and Keyboard (beta)’ is turned on.
After Universal Control is enabled on all devices, you can orient the displays in the Displays system preference panel on the primary Mac which is sharing it’s keyboard and mouse.
Help, my Mac isn’t on the compatibility list!
If your Mac does not officially support Universal Control, there may be third party utilities that eventually enable it on other Macs.
Another option is to try a third party solution like Barrier, which allows a Mac to share a keyboard and mouse between other Macs and even Windows PCs. Barrier does not support iPads, however.
Are you going to use Universal Control on your Mac and iPad? What do you think of this feature and which devices are supported? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
I doubt that I will use it on a regular basis if ever. I typically use my Mac separate from my iPad 9th gen. which is more a casual consumption device. I guess Apple envisions uses for this type of sharing. I never found the ability to use my iPad as a second screen useful either. It’s just too small especially at an extended length on a desktop.