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askandhelpmore-26
User level: Level 1 (24 points)

Will Sidecar work with MacBook on macOS 26 and iPad on iPadOS 27?

I’m planning to upgrade my iPad from iPadOS 26.7.1 to iPadOS 27.2. However, I’d like to keep my MacBook on macOS 26, as I’ve heard there are several glitches in macOS 27.2.


I’m curious to know if MacBook and iPad will be running different software versions, such as macOS 26 and iPadOS 27, will Sidecar work as intended? I’ve reached out to Apple, but they couldn’t provide a definitive answer. They mentioned that I might encounter some issues, but they also suggested that it might work without any problems.


I’d greatly appreciate it if I could get some insights from the community. Your confirmation would help me make an informed decision.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Does sidecar work if MacBook and iPad are on two different software versions like macOS 26 and iPadOS 27?

Posted on Oct 30, 2026 1:22 AM

5 replies

askandhelpmore-26 Author
User level: Level 1 (24 points)

Oct 31, 2026 1:48 AM in response to 6x6

I have updated my iPad to iPadOS 27.2 and now I can confirm that sidecar works as expected with MacBook running macOS 26.7.1 and iPad running iPadOS 27.2.

6x6
User level: Level 7 (26,777 points)

Oct 30, 2026 5:14 PM in response to askandhelpmore-26

I'm not exactly in the same situation as the one you describe but I can use Sidecar from a Mac using macOS Sequoia 15 to an iPad using iPadOS 26. So an iPad with a more recent version of iPadOS can use Sidecar with an older version of macOS.


The Sidecar requirements indicate that it should work in your situation but the note is not reassuring:


Sidecar works with these devices and operating systems. If you’re having difficulty, install the latest macOS updates and iPadOS updates for your device.


Be aware that if you upgrade to iPadOS 27, you won't be able to return to iPadOS 26 at all as Apple no longer signs the iPadOS 26 IPSWs.


So, unless someone in exactly the same situation as yours confirms the compatibility, there is a small risk upgrading now.

6x6
User level: Level 7 (26,777 points)

Oct 30, 2026 7:18 PM in response to askandhelpmore-26

Yes, there is a good chance that it will work but i wanted to give you the facts straight.

askandhelpmore-26 Author
User level: Level 1 (24 points)

Oct 30, 2026 7:03 PM in response to 6x6

Thank you for your response. While your situation differs from mine, your experience gives me confidence that it will work for me as well. If macOS 15 and iPadOS 26 are compatible for sidecar, it’s more likely that macOS 26 and iPadOS 27 will also be compatible, right?

6x6
User level: Level 7 (26,777 points)

Oct 31, 2026 7:01 AM in response to askandhelpmore-26

That’s great news. Thanks for sharing!

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256385745