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Universal Control Works in macOS Monterey Beta 5, But Terminal Commands Required to Enable It

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One of the most highly anticipated features coming to macOS Monterey and iPadOS 15 is Universal Control. Universal Control enables users to use a single Mac's input devices across multiple iPads or Macs.

universal-control-wwdc.jpeg

While the feature was previewed at WWDC in June, it's yet to make an official appearance in any developer beta of macOS Monterey or iPadOS 15, leading to speculation that the feature may be delayed to a future update to the operating systems. However, in the latest macOS Monterey beta released on August 11, Universal Control can be enabled and used between two Macs.

To enable it, users will need to follow the steps outlined in this GitHub post, which requires running a series of Terminal lines, altering system settings, and running commands to enable "Ensemble," Apple's internal codename for Universal Control.

Universal Control is not yet officially enabled in the latest macOS beta, and the steps needed to enable it are complex. We don't advise users to attempt to enable it because it may damage crucial system files and their machines.

From MacRumors' testing of Universal Control, while it's not officially supported, the feature works as demoed at WWDC, with minimal lag and latency when switching between devices. Although, there are still some technical issues. For example, Universal Control in its final form will allow a user's Mac to seamlessly detect another Mac or iPad placed next to it, allowing users to move their mouse and keyboard between devices automatically.

In the latest beta, users must first select their accompanying Mac within System Preferences -> Displays -> Add Display, and select their device under "Link Mouse and Keyboard." Additionally, Universal Control will allow users to drag and drop files, photos, videos, and more between devices, which is not yet present in the latest beta. From our testing, despite Universal Control working between two Macs, iPadOS does not yet support the feature, even in the newest beta.

macOS Monterey beta five was released on August 11, while iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and watchOS 8 are already on their seventh round of developer betas. Apple has indicated that several iOS 15, macOS Monterey, and iPadOS 15 features, such as SharePlay, won't be available at launch. Apple has previously previewed features at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, only to delay them until a subsequent update later on in the year.

On macOS Monterey and iPadOS 15's preview page, Apple has not yet indicated that Universal Control will be delayed, suggesting it intends to release it with the initial versions of its operating system this fall.

Article Link: Universal Control Works in macOS Monterey Beta 5, But Terminal Commands Required to Enable It
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2021/08/29/universal-control-working-macos-not-ipados/
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Keep in mind that macOS release schedule is often different from iOS. Apple could very well keep working on Monterey for a few weeks and only release it alongside the next MacBook Pro in late October.
 
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bollman said:
Why bother with yearly releases if the announced features will release later?
It can’t be considered a law of nature to release a major version at the exact same time every year.
Try making it ready first, THEN release it!
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Technically when they announce the new OS at WWDC, they aren't announcing it all for the launch. That announcement can cover the entire year (15.1, 15.2, etc). When you look at it that way, you don't see it as an issue and really that's the way to look at it.
 
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LarrySW said:
Technically when they announce the new OS at WWDC, they aren't announcing it all for the launch. That announcement can cover the entire year (15.1, 15.2, etc). When you look at it that way, you don't see it as an issue and really that's the way to look at it.
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Exactly. I remember them saying on stage a while back that there were previewing the features coming over the following year - confirming not all will be ready at launch.
 
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Kylo83 said:
I really do see anyone using it for real use apart from using it as a demo; I would never need my iPad next to my mac like that
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I may be an outlier, but I will definitely use it. I currently use an ultrawide monitor with half of the screen with a browser and the other half with a word processor, another program, etc.

Universal control will be great for setting my iPad on my desk with notes or Onenote open to add or edit notes while as I continue whatever my task is for that day.
 
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What is the use case for this?


It would be nice if my M1 iMac could use all of my iOS apps.
 
The ability to drag and drop files between devices is pretty cool. Airdrop is nice but there’s nothing easier that drag and drop. I think this is one of the more useful features I’ve seen in a while. Better than getting another 50 new emojis.
 
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ddtmm said:
The ability to drag and drop files between devices is pretty cool. Airdrop is nice but there’s nothing easier that drag and drop. I think this is one of the more useful features I’ve seen in a while. Better than getting another 50 new emojis.
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Plus if you’re playing something on your iPad and want to pause it or adjust volume level you don’t have to grab iPad just move a curser on your Mac trackpad. If it’s working well like on a demo I’ll use it every day for little things like this. It essentially makes an iPad your other Mac screen.
 
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The last macOS 12 beta came out over 2 weeks ago, I am hoping the reason is they needed the time to include Universal Control in the next beta. Fingers crossed!
 
matrix07 said:
Plus if you’re playing something on your iPad and want to pause it or adjust volume level you don’t have to grab iPad just move a curser on your Mac trackpad. If it’s working well like on a demo I’ll use it every day for little things like this. It essentially makes an iPad your other Mac screen.
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Exactly how I was planning to use it! I regularly listen to music from my iPad while working on my Mac. I’m Airplaying to my Apple TV, but since some time now the Apple Music app on MacOS is really buggy with airplay. That’s why I use my iPad.

Edit: I don’t AirPlay directly but control the Apple TV. Using Mac it somehow always drops the next up menu as one of the many bugs…
 
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Kylo83 said:
I really do see anyone using it for real use apart from using it as a demo; I would never need my iPad next to my mac like that
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Thats where you and I differ. I love being able to get actual work done on my iPad, and this is just another addition thats gonna streamline that for me. So, while you cant see anyone using it — I see it being a great experience and eliminating another KB/mouse while allowing me to work flexibly.
 
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So a single mouse can move between several different macs? Interesting... How do people find their pointer when it's off gallivanting across the open prairie. It could be fun. I occasionally lose my pointer on my two 27" monitors. 'Where did that thing go?' It plays hide and seek due to it disappearing when I start typing, and on busy screens, well, we've all likely seen that hiding act... I had to turn off the Hot Corner 'Start Screensaver' because it triggers when I'm trying to find it. (FOUND IT!!!)
 
JippaLippa said:
The more I see Monterey, the more it looks like an actually good version of Big Sur, and I'm 100% fine with it.
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So it's more of a series of patches than a rewrite? Makes sense. (Like Windows 8 was just an obnoxious skin over Windows 7. I was shocked at how much of Win 7 was under the bloated obnoxious hot mess that Win 8 was)
 
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PinkyMacGodess said:
So a single mouse can move between several different macs? Interesting... How do people find their pointer when it's off gallivanting across the open prairie. It could be fun. I occasionally lose my pointer on my two 27" monitors. 'Where did that thing go?' It plays hide and seek due to it disappearing when I start typing, and on busy screens, well, we've all likely seen that hiding act... I had to turn off the Hot Corner 'Start Screensaver' because it triggers when I'm trying to find it. (FOUND IT!!!)
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I never have that problem! Though I already notice movement in the corner of my eye when a dust particle lands on my TV on the other side of my room. But that's just me 😂. So a pointer on a screen that's looking at me is no problem.

But what I don't understand, when you type and the cursor disappears, it disappears where you left it. Usually the typing field you clicked on? How do you even lose it? :rolleyes:
 
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