Apple might turn iPads into second Mac screens

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Luna DIsplay is great for people who travel with a Mac and an iPad.
macOS 10.15 might have a feature that’s already available from Luna Display.
Photo: Astro HQ

Turning a tablet into an external display for a laptop isn’t a new idea, but Apple is reportedly going “all in” by building this feature into the next version of macOS.

The iPad will supposedly  function as a touchscreen for Mac software, which should catch the eye of digital artists.

macOS 10.15 will get a feature code-named “Sidecar,” according to an unconfirmed report from 9to5Mac. This will enable a MacBook, iMac, etc. to make an iPad into a second screen for running macOS software. This will apparently simulate the touchscreen-enabled Mac many people have been hoping for.

This information comes from unnamed “people familiar with the development of macOS 10.15,” and few details are available now. It’s not clear if the tablet will need to be connected to the Mac over USB, or if this feature will work wirelessly.

The next major version of Apple’s operating system for desktops and notebooks is expected to be unveiled in June at this company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference, and be available for installation this fall.

iPad as second screen already an option

Anyone who wants to use an iOS tablet to expand the screen real waste for their Mac doesn’t have to wait for the next macOS version. There are third-party options for this already.

Among the best of these is Astro HQ’s Luna Display, a tiny wireless adapter that lets an iPad act as an external display for a macOS device. This can be used with a MacBook, or even a Mac mini.

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