Apple has finally addressed a long-requested feature in its Sidecar functionality, allowing users to extend their Mac’s display onto an iPad when it is in portrait mode, not just landscape. After five years of only supporting landscape orientation, macOS Sequoia 15.1 and iPadOS 18.1 now make it possible to rotate the iPad for vertical use. While the update is a welcome one, there are a few quirks to work through at the moment.
Setting Up Sidecar in Portrait Mode
To use Sidecar in portrait mode with macOS Sequoia, follow these steps:
- Open System Settings on your Mac and navigate to Displays.
- Under the image of your Mac’s screen, click the plus (+) icon.
- From the drop-down menu, find your iPad and select it.
- Look for the Use as section and choose Extended Display from the dropdown (it defaults to Main Display).
Once your Mac and iPad are both on and connected, your Mac’s display will now extend to the iPad. In the settings, you can use the Arrange button to decide whether the iPad will be positioned on the left or right side of your Mac’s screen.
How to Rotate to Portrait Mode
Here’s where the new feature really shines: After setting up Sidecar, physically rotate your iPad, and the display will automatically adjust. The screen representation on your Mac will update to show your iPad in portrait mode as well.
Known Issues and Bugs
Despite this promising update, the new feature still has some bugs. For example, users sometimes can’t select Extended Display or the iPad doesn’t rotate properly. Additionally, the feature is currently not available in the macOS Sequoia 15.2 developer beta, though it is expected to be fully functional once the public release of macOS Sequoia 15.2 arrives.
What’s Next for Sidecar
Apple has not confirmed the release date for macOS Sequoia 15.2, but it is expected to include major new features like Apple Intelligence. As Sidecar continues to evolve, this new feature is a step forward in making the Mac and iPad experience more flexible and powerful for multitaskers. With further refinements expected, this addition could be a game-changer for users looking to take full advantage of their Apple devices.
