As an Apple user you have undoubtedly heard about continuity via iCloud. This offers various functions that ensure that your Mac works better with other Apple devices that support continuity. This allows you to switch seamlessly between your devices.
Continuity works via iCloud and you can also use in addition to your Mac on an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Apple Watch. The function contains several options and is not specifically aimed at one product. For example, you can use Handoff to take over tasks, Sidecar to use your iPad as a second screen with your Mac, use the camera of your iPhone to scan documents on your Mac, etc.
Continuity conditions
To be able to use the facilities of continuity, WiFi and Bluetooth must be enabled on your devices. Both devices must also use the same iCloud account. In addition, the devices must meet certain system requirements, Apple has a list That displays all supporting devices in combination with the continuity option.
Continuity via iCloud, the possibilities at a glance
The question is of course: what can you do with continuity? Below we list the different options. This way you immediately know which functions are available and how you can simplify the performance of tasks between Apple devices. Under each part you will find a link to extensive manual about this function and how you can use it.
Handoff
The best known option of all is Handoff. You can easily start a document, e-mail or message on one device and then continue on the other device where you had stayed.
Handoff works with a huge number of apps including mail, safari, cards, messages, memories, agenda, contacts, pages, numbers and keynote.
Universal clipboard
With the universal clipboard you can, for example, copy text on your iPhone and stick it directly into macOS. All this without having to send or do something manually. The function works fully automatically and is available for every iCloud user. The function has no settings and is automatically active and present on an iPhone, iPad or Mac
Sidecar
Since MacOS Catalina you can use your iPad as a second screen on your Mac. You can easily display the same apps and windows on your iPad as on your Mac, or expand your workspace by displaying other apps and windows. With the help of the Apple Pencil you can easily draw, handy for apps such as Photoshop.
Continuity camera
Take a photo or scan a document with your iPhone or iPad and display the result immediately on your Mac thanks to continuity camera. In addition, in this way you can also use the camera of your iPhone or iPad on an Apple TV, for example for FaceTime.
Continuity markings and drawing
You can display a PDF or image that you edit on your Mac on an iPhone or iPad nearby. If you then write or draw on the iPhone or iPad with the marking function, you will immediately see those changes on your Mac. Of course you can also use the Apple Pencil on the iPad. You can also make a drawing on your iPhone or iPad and display it immediately on your Mac.
Unlock and authorize with Apple Watch
You can use your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac. When you wear an Apple Watch and it is unlocked you can log in to your Mac without having to fill in a password.
Requesting requests from your Mac can also be approved without having to enter a password. When completing passwords, purchasing or unlocking system settings you can use the Apple Watch to give permission.
Phone calls and SMS messages
If you want to start or answer a phone call, you can simply use your Mac instead of your iPhone. You can start a telephone conversation from FaceTime, contacts, safari, mail, cards, spotlight and various other apps. If someone calls you, you will see a report. Click on the notification to answer the conversation.
This is also the case for SMS messages. You can send and receive SMS and MMS messages directly from your Mac. All messages that appear on your iPhone are also displayed on your Mac. See your iPhone configure for receiving SMS messages.
Universal Control
Thanks to MacOS Monterey and iPados 15 you only need one keyboard and mouse or trackpad to seamlessly switch between your Mac and iPad. Easily move the cursor from your Mac to your iPad, with the keyboard of your Mac you can immediately type on your iPad without any difficulty.
It is even possible to drag files from your iPad to your Mac, or vice versa. You can ‘link’ a maximum of three devices. So do you have two Macs and an iPad? Then with Universal Control you can operate all three with just one keyboard, mouse or trackpad.
Instant hotspot
Before your Mac, the personal hotspot on your iPhone or iPad can be used when the devices are sufficiently close together. You don’t have to configure anything for this. Your iPhone or iPad is automatically added to the WiFi menu on your Mac and you just have to select your phone to switch on the hotspot. Handy if you don’t have a wifi.
Synchronous iPhone display for Mac
Since macOS Sequoia, continuity has become even more versatile with synchronous iPhone display. With that you have full access to your iPhone on your Mac and you can also operate it from your Mac. You see your background and symbols exactly as they are on your iPhone, you can swipe through the different pages of the home screen and also use your favorite apps. You operate your iPhone with the keyboard, the trackpad and the mouse of your Mac, and the audio also comes from the Mac speakers.
You can even drag files between your iPhone and Mac without any difficulty. Moreover, your iPhone has been locked all this time, so that nobody sees what you are doing. Stand-by also works well in the synchronous iPhone display, so that you can see important information at a glance. And if you get a notification on your iPhone, you can respond to it directly from your Mac.
Airdrop
With AirDrop you can quickly share photos, videos and all kinds of other things with people in your area. Via a direct connection, the data is sent wirelessly, also useful when sharing to your own devices.