Apple's Sidecar gets a tactile overhaul in the upcoming macOS 27 and iPadOS 27 releases. For the first time users can tap, drag and scroll directly now with a finger on an iPad that’s extending a Mac desktop, eliminating the need for an Apple Pencil or external mouse for basic interactions. The change targets remote workers who rely on a MacBook Pro and iPad combo.

Previously Sidecar only accepted multi‑touch gestures that mimicked a Magic Trackpad, while actual UI elements remained inert to finger taps. Users had to reach for a connected trackpad, mouse, or Pencil to click buttons, resize windows or select menu items. The new finger‑click behavior works in both extended and mirrored modes, though portrait orientation remains locked to landscape.

Enabling the feature follows the same workflow: open Settings → Displays, add the iPad, and choose Extend or Mirror. The sidebar and virtual Touch Bar persist unchanged, preserving familiar shortcuts. While the lack of portrait support feels like a beta‑level oversight, the touch capability alone closes a long‑standing usability gap, making Sidecar a more viable dual‑screen solution today.