Last week, Apple released macOS Ventura 13.3 and iPadOS 16.4 to all iPad and Mac users with several enhancements and new features. However, it appears that these updates broke Universal Control and other Handoff features for many individuals as well.
Handoff and universal control bugs
Apple’s Universal Control feature lets you use a single mouse, keyboard, and trackpad to control multiple iPads and Macs. iCloud infers the position based on your cursor activity, so you can move the cursor and keyboard between devices seamlessly.
The only requirement is that the devices are signed into the same iCloud account, according to Apple, which claims that the feature works seamlessly and is enabled by default. It works because it uses Apple’s Handoff technology, which lets you start working on one device and switch to another nearby device later.
Apple’s support forums are overflowing with complaints from iPad and Mac users who claim that after updating to iPadOS 16.4 and macOS Ventura 13.3, Universal Control no longer works. According to these users, the feature was operating normally before Apple released the updates last week.
These issues also affect other Handoff-powered features, such as universal copy and paste and Apple Watch Unlock, for some users. One client composes:
iOS 16.4 and Ventura 13.3 has killed my universal control for my iMac 27” and my iPad Pro which were both working seamlessly before updating. Also, my iMac now cannot unlock with Apple Watch 6. The iMac cannot connect (sync) with my watch. Thank you, Apple. How can we fix this?
Another user:
I’m having the same problem. Also typing on iPhone to input text on Apple TV isn’t working. And my Apple Watch is no longer unlocking my Mac. Handoff seems to be completely broken right now.
Users claim that rebooting all of the involved devices and turning Handoff back on and off through the Settings apps on each device can temporarily resolve the issue. However, this only appears to be a short-term fix, and the fact that you have to perform those steps in the first place is evidence that something is not quite right.
Apple is said to be working on iOS 16.4.1 and, most likely, iPadOS 16.4.1 in preparation for a release this week. The bugs that were introduced last week in Handoff and Universal Control should hopefully be fixed by these updates.
Is it safe to say that you are disapproving of Handoff and Widespread Control since refreshing to iPadOS 16.4 and macOS Ventura 13.3? Comment below with your thoughts.