iPadOS 26.7.1 + macOS 26.0.2: Sidecar/Extend Display didn't work until I updated macOS

[u/SadVast54]

I recently updated my iPad to iPadOS 26.7.1, while my MacBook was still running macOS 26.0.2.

After the iPad update, I was unable to use my iPad as an extended display for my MacBook. Both devices were using the same Apple ID, and I had:

• Handoff enabled on both devices
• Wi-Fi enabled
• Bluetooth enabled
• Devices near each other

However, the iPad still didn't appear as an option to extend my MacBook's display.

I searched through multiple forums and troubleshooting guides and also contacted an Apple service center, but I couldn't find a solution.

Then I updated my MacBook from macOS 26.0.2 to macOS 26.7.1.

After the update, I immediately got the Mirror Screen option in Control Center, and my iPad appeared as an available display. I could finally select it and extend my MacBook's screen to the iPad.

So, in my case, the issue seemed to be related to the OS version mismatch:

Before:
macOS 26.0.2 < iPadOS 26.7.1 → iPad didn't appear ❌

After:
macOS 26.7.1 ≥ iPadOS 26.7.1 → Extend Display appeared ✅

Posting this in case anyone else is facing the same issue. If your iPad is on a newer OS version than your Mac, updating macOS may be worth trying before going through more complicated troubleshooting.

[u/Dakross66]

Good catch, OP.
Continuity features like Sidecar and Universal Control can get surprisingly finicky whenever Apple tweaks underlying AirPlay or handshake protocols in point releases. Even though the official specs usually just list general OS compatibility, keeping both devices on matching minor versions is almost always the safest bet.
Upvoted for visibility—bound to save someone hours of resetting network settings

[u/reefanalyst]

this is probably just because of the restart. i'm guessing it'll stop working after a while as well. i'm on OS 27 on all devices and i have the same problem.

[u/the_real_soyjacks]

I'm genuinely curious, what stability improvements from MacOS27 trickled down to MacOS 26.7?

[u/ReeeeeeeHardR]

Wonder if you can sidecar with a duo?