Apple’s Superpower is Bridging

‍Universal Control

I recently had the chance to update my iPad and Mac to the latest versions and test out Universal Control. For those unaware, Universal Control allows a modern Mac to seamlessly use the trackpad (or mouse) and keyboard for both devices simultaneously. All you need is a relatively new Mac and an iPad for it to work.

Flipping the switch to turn it on was frictionless. In fact, it was already turned on, I just needed to push my curser past the end of my Mac screen, and the curser “popped” over to my iPad. Yes, once again, Apple nailed the feeling and animation, reminding us there is still magic in this world. 

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However, beyond the transition, the technology was surprisingly boring – in a really good way. I could click on either device, type in any field, and drag and drop files between the two devices as if they were one. The accomplishment from Apple lies in the simplicity of it just working. There weren’t many settings to toggle, notices of what was happening, or limitations that constantly inhibited the experience. 

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Two Small Complaints

The only two (very) minor complaints that I could find when using the new feature was:

1. I wish it could somehow know which side the iPad was so I never had to mess with the display window
2. My work computer isn’t on my Apple ID, so this would solve my woes of maintaining two Apple IDs

That’s it. The rest of it was such smooth sailing that I am positive that I will have a hard time imagining my workflow without Universal Control in a year.

Magical as a Bridge

The experience of Universal Control reminds me of what makes Apple’s magic so special. Apple experiences are extraordinary, just like driving over a bridge is a magical experience. Bridges are easy to take for granted; however, when you cross a large, expansive bridge, you may be reminded of what is actually taking place.

My family had the pleasure of living a few miles away from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which many know as the bridge that replaced Galloping Gertie. These bridges span a large part of the Pudget Sound, and driving over it provokes a sense of awe. There is beauty in the immensity and view from the bridge. And if you get a chance to stop and consider it for a moment, it is mind-boggling how difficult it would be to cross the Sound without the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. 

That is what bridges do. They simplify and connect two seemingly unconnected things to make something new. Apple took two operating systems, macOS and iPadOS, and created a third hybrid system by combining the two. It’s not as if the iPad suddenly becomes a MacOS device and vice-versa. 

And just like a bridge, once it is there, it is hard to imagine a time without it. Apple made the systems so relatable that there is the temptation to say, “well, of course, they did that; it is just the natural progression.” However, no bridge is placed randomly, and the Apple ecosystem’s interoperability is no accident. Apple’s focus on creating a unified experience across devices is what feels like magic. 

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Bridges in 1984

Apple’s focus on creating bridges has always been there. The idea of bridging a complicated hobby device, a computer, with the common population sounded crazy. And yet, most people have some form of a computer in their home (PC, Smart Phone, Tablet, etc.). Apple continued this tradition as they helped artists bridge the gap between the interface and design. Things like a GUI (Graphical User Interface) is so ubiquitous with computers that it seems odd to think of a computer as just a textbase system. Today we see artists creating with the Adobe Suite, the Affinity Serif Suite, Procreate, and Final Cut Pro. 

Apple’s dedication to simplicity essentially forces its hand when it comes to bridge making. To take two distinct places and connect them requires simplicity – like a bridge. Otherwise, a more complex solution wouldn’t be worth the time and energy. Simplicity leads to bridges, and when implemented correctly, bridges lead to magical experiences – regardless of whether we recognize them.

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A Few of My Favorite Magical Experiences

• Airpods just connecting
• The Apple Pencil 2 charging 
• Ease of setting up new devices
• Airdrop between devices
• Transferring audio to my Homepod
• ApplePay (especially in-person)
• Text message forwarding to my devices
• Apple Card 
• Apple Support (especially texting)

To me, all of these magical experiences are about either bridging two devices or taking a complex process and bridging it into a simple device action (ApplePay). 

So here’s to Apple’s magical ability to bridge. And to many more future experiences that Apple will create in the future.

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