What Is Apple’s Continuity Feature? (And How Does It Work?)
Apple’s Continuity feature is a set of tools that allows users to move seamlessly between Apple devices, making it easier to stay connected and productive. Continuity was introduced with the release of iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite in 2014, and has since been expanded and improved with each subsequent update.
One of the most significant features of Continuity is Handoff, which allows users to start a task on one device and continue it on another. For example, a user could begin drafting an email on their iPhone and then switch to their iPad to finish it. To use Handoff, both devices must be signed in to the same iCloud account and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Another valuable Continuity feature is Universal Clipboard, which lets users copy and paste content across all of their Apple devices. This means that a user could copy a link on their iPhone and then paste it into a document on their Mac without having to manually transfer the link.
Continuity also includes a feature called Phone Calling, which allows users to make and receive calls on their Mac or iPad. Calls show up on all devices and can be answered or declined from any device. When a call comes in, a notification will appear on all devices, allowing the user to choose where to answer the call.
In addition to these core features, Continuity includes a range of smaller features that help to tie the ecosystem of Apple devices together. For example, users can receive SMS and MMS messages on their Mac or iPad, as long as their iPhone is nearby. They can also use AirDrop to quickly share files between devices, and Auto Unlock to effortlessly unlock their Mac with their Apple Watch.
Continuity relies on a mix of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and iCloud to keep devices in sync and ensure a seamless experience. However, the technologies used can vary depending on the feature. For example, Handoff and Universal Clipboard rely on Bluetooth to communicate between devices, while Phone Calling relies on iCloud.
Continuity is a powerful feature that makes it easier than ever to stay connected and productive across multiple devices. With its seamless integration and range of tools, Continuity provides a compelling reason for users to stick with the Apple ecosystem, and has helped to cement the company’s reputation for creating products that just work.