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iPad Can Serve as Second Screen for Mac and Windows PCs, Engadget Guide Says

Engadget reported on September 21, 2026, that an iPad can act as a second screen for a Mac or Windows PC. The guide details Apple's Sidecar and Universal Control, plus Duet Display and Luna Display for Windows, along with requirements, costs and accessory tips.

AI News Feed · 2026-09-21 22:45

For Mac users, Sidecar is described as the simplest route. It requires a Mac and both devices signed in to the same iCloud account; it will not work if the devices use different accounts. Windows users cannot use Sidecar, though alternatives exist. If the account requirement is met, users can open Control Center on the Mac, find Screen Mirroring, and choose the iPad. The iPad then acts as a secondary display with full resolution and adjustable placement, and its position can be rearranged in Display settings under System Settings.

Mac and iPad users can also use Universal Control, which does not turn the iPad into an external display. Instead, it lets inputs from one device control the other, including moving the Mac cursor onto the iPad screen, sending input in the other direction, or dragging and dropping between devices. Like Sidecar, Universal Control requires both devices to be on the same iCloud account and two-factor authentication to be enabled. Engadget said it works with most Mac and iPad models released in recent years. If it does not work automatically, users can try enabling it manually in the Screen Mirroring settings in Control Center, under Display Settings, by clicking the plus sign and selecting the iPad from the Link Keyboard and Mouse list.

For Windows users, Duet Display is presented as one of the most popular alternatives and one that offers more controls than Apple's Sidecar. It also runs on Mac, which can help if a Mac and iPad are not on the same Apple ID. Unlike Sidecar, Duet Display requires a paid license and must be installed on both the computer and the iPad. After opening the app on both devices, the setup is complete.

Luna Display, available for Mac and Windows, works through a companion dongle that is plugged into the computer. The dongle handles wireless transmission and is intended to make the connection more reliable. It does not require a subscription; the dongle costs $79. Engadget said Luna Display also offers a headless mode, allowing a dongle plugged into a Mac mini to be used directly with an iPad without a monitor.

Duet Display, Luna Display and Sidecar allow users to control macOS through the iPad touchscreen. Apple Pencil can be used for navigation and drawing, turning the iPad into a graphics tablet, while the Mac's own mouse and keyboard continue to work. Engadget described the experience as largely seamless, though glitches can appear. A wired connection can help reduce those issues, and accessories such as a stand can improve the Sidecar experience.