Seamless Integration of Apple Devices
Smart devices are designed to work better together, enhancing user experience through seamless integration. A smartwatch paired with a phone can send notifications, alert you to calls, and even act as a remote shutter for your camera. These ecosystems of products complement each other, allowing users to manage their workflow efficiently and switch between devices effortlessly.
Apple’s ecosystem extends far beyond its iPhone and Watch, encompassing the iPad, Apple TV, and Mac. Over the years, Apple’s original proposition has evolved, and its operating system now looks and feels similar across devices—offering the same icons and settings adjustments. This consistency makes transitioning from an iPhone or iPad to a Mac a smooth process.
With Windows 10 support ending on 14th October 2025, many users are considering an upgrade. If you’re already using an iPhone or iPad, there are several compelling reasons to choose a Mac as your new machine.
Key Benefits of Choosing a Mac
1. Setup from an iPhone
When you first get a Mac, there is an option to transfer your settings and content from an older device. Initially, this was limited to Macs (and Time Machine backups), but recently, it became possible from a PC by installing the Windows Migration Assistant. Now, you can set up your new Mac using an iPhone. Simply scan the code on the screen with your phone, and all your settings will be transferred.
2. From iPhone to Mac and Back Again
If all your Apple devices are signed in with the same Apple ID, switching devices mid-task is effortless. The Handoff feature allows you to take an app you’ve been using on your iPhone and open it on your Mac (or vice versa) and continue where you left off. This works for all Apple apps as well as many third-party applications, including Chrome.
One of my favorite uses is when I find a website I like on my phone and want to look at it in more detail. With the app open on your phone, a handoff icon will appear on your Mac that, when clicked, will open the same page as on your phone. You can also do it the other way around by swiping up on your phone to enter the app switcher and choosing the handoff option.
3. iPhone Mirroring on Mac
While this functionality is available on Windows PCs for Android phones, the Mac makes it easy to mirror your iPhone display on your desktop and receive your phone notifications on screen. This is handy if you’re working on the move, as you can keep your phone in your pocket and still access its features from your laptop.
Enhanced Features for Apple Users
4. All Devices as One
Universal Control is one of the most underrated features on the Mac. It allows you to use multiple Apple devices as if they were one. If you have an iPad next to your Mac, you can use it as a second display and even drag files from one screen to another. It also means you can use the same keyboard and mouse across multiple devices, whether that’s an iMac, MacBook, or iPad.
I really like this feature as a way to use a Mac mini as my home machine and a MacBook Pro when I’m on the move. With both open on my desk, I can quickly drag files between them or simply search through my laptop using my mouse without having to pair it to the device.
5. Continuity Camera
In a similar vein to Universal Control, the Continuity Camera feature allows the main camera on your iPhone to function as if it’s attached to your Mac or Apple TV. This allows the iPhone to act as an extremely high-quality webcam, with adapters available to attach it to your monitor, laptop screen, or TV.
This function also lets you use the iPhone as a one-click scanner. Simply right-click on the desktop of your Mac or in one of the Apple apps such as Notes or Pages and choose to access your iPhone’s camera to either take a picture or scan a document. In scanner mode, the camera adjusts the angle to keep the page square, automatically takes the picture, and saves the file as a PDF.
6. MacOS Tahoe
Apple’s latest operating system, MacOS Tahoe, officially launches in September but is already available on current Mac models through the public beta. This upgrade brings a new Liquid Glass design to macOS, along with additional features.
Live activities from your iPhone will also mirror to your Mac, for things like food deliveries, taxis, or sports scores. The new phone app allows you to make and receive calls in the same way as on your iPhone, and even use the new call screening feature to avoid spam or robocalls.
Apple Intelligence is more integrated too, offering live translation in messages or FaceTime calls. Plus, there’s a new ChatGPT option in the Image Playground to create images from existing photos or text prompts.
7. More Affordable Than You Think
Mac laptops and desktop computers are often perceived as expensive options. While it’s true you can pick up a Windows laptop or Chromebook for significantly less, the difference isn’t as much as you might think, especially when comparing specs.
The MacBook Pro is higher priced but is a professional laptop designed for ultimate performance, similar to a high-end gaming laptop. The MacBook Air starts from just £999/$999 and still provides blistering performance, far beyond what most users need.
A desktop solution can often be more cost-effective and convenient if you only ever work at home. The iMac is a stylish all-in-one machine starting from £1299/$1299, featuring a 24-inch 4.5k display and M4 chip performance. Meanwhile, the Mac mini starts from just £599/$599, and you can plug in any monitor and keyboard you already own to complete your setup.
