Move Over Airdrop! iOS 18.1 Introduces Drag and Drop Feature
Move Over AirDrop iOS 18.1 Introduces Drag and Drop Feature for iPhone Mirroring
In a significant update to its Continuity features, Apple has introduced a drag and drop functionality for iPhone Mirroring in the latest beta versions of iOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1. This new feature, which was first showcased at WWDC 2024 in June, allows users to seamlessly transfer files, images, and other content between their iPhone and Mac without the need for AirDrop, cables, or cloud services.
How it Works
iPhone Mirroring, a feature that debuted with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia 15.0, enables users to mirror their iPhone screen on their Mac and control the phone directly from the computer. However, the initial release lacked the drag and drop functionality, which Apple promised would arrive "later this year." With the release of iOS 18.1 beta 5 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta 5, this feature is now available for beta testers.
To use the drag and drop feature, users need to update both their iPhone and Mac to the latest beta versions. Once updated, they can launch the iPhone Mirroring app from the Mac’s Dock or Launchpad. The feature works without any special setup, provided the iPhone and Mac are within Bluetooth range, have Wi-Fi turned on, and are signed into the same Apple ID account with two-factor authentication enabled.
Seamless File Transfer
Users can now effortlessly drag files, images, and other content from the iPhone Mirroring window and drop them onto their Mac projects, and vice versa. For example, you can select an image in the Photos app on your iPhone and drag it from the iPhone Mirroring window onto a Pages document on your Mac. Similarly, you can drag files from the Finder on your Mac into the Files app in the iPhone Mirroring window.
This functionality makes it simple to move files between devices, even when the iPhone is locked and charging. For instance, dragging a photo from the Mac to the open Photos app on the iPhone will transfer the file over, and dragging a PDF from the Mac to the Files app on the iPhone works in a similar manner.
Other Enhancements
The iOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 betas also introduce other features, including Apple Intelligence, which is limited to devices with an iPhone 15 Pro or later, or an iPad or Mac equipped with the M1 chip or newer. Other upcoming features announced at WWDC 2024, such as ChatGPT integration in Siri, Genmoji, Image Playground, a redesigned Mail app, and expanded language support for Apple Intelligence, are expected to arrive in future updates.
Availability
The iOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta 5 are currently available for developers and public beta testers. The official release for all users is expected in October, marking a significant enhancement to the Apple ecosystem and further integrating the functionality of iPhones and Macs.
Settings and Notifications
Users can adjust various settings related to iPhone Mirroring, such as requiring the Mac’s password or Touch ID when launching the feature, and choosing whether to receive iPhone notifications on their Mac. These settings can be managed through System Settings > Desktop & Dock and System Settings > Notifications on the Mac.
This new drag and drop feature for iPhone Mirroring promises to streamline file transfer and enhance productivity for users who frequently work across multiple Apple devices.