The latest update to macOS Monterey, version 12.1, is here. But if you’re hoping to use the software to control both your Mac and iPad, you’ll have to wait a little longer.
The feature, dubbed Universal Control, was supposed to arrive in macOS Monterey this fall. But on Monday, Apple quietly updated the company’s website to note that Universal Control won’t arrive until sometime next spring.
The feature promises to let users control both a Mac and an adjacent iPad using the same keyboard and mouse, creating a shared desktop experience over the two devices. Apple demoed the feature at this year’s WWDC by placing an iPad next to a MacBook, and moving the mouse cursor back and forth between the two screens.
The feature will make it easy to turn an iPad into a second screen, so long as the tablet is within 30 feet. In addition, Universal Control can let you drag and drop files between the two devices. The shared desktop experience can also be extended to a third device, such as an iMac.
We’ve reached out to Apple for comment on why it’s delaying Universal Control, and we’ll update the story if we hear back. The good news is that another macOS Monterey feature, SharePlay, finally arrived yesterday through the 12.1 update.
SharePlay is basically a screen-sharing function that will let users bring movies, TV shows, music into their FaceTime calls. The same function can also be used to collaborate on work projects with co-workers. In addition, Android and Windows users can participate in a SharePlay session via a browser.