Optimizing Sidecar performance for MacBook Pro and iPad Air

Hi everyone,

I’m using Sidecar wirelessly with a 2023 14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 16GB RAM) running macOS 15.4, and an iPad Air 11-inch (M2 chip) running iPadOS 18.3.2.

Everything is working well overall, but I’m looking to optimize performance and ensure the smoothest possible visual experience on the iPad when using it as a second display. I mainly use Sidecar:

  • As a second screen while doing college work
  • As a viewer for Final Cut Pro playback

While it runs fine, I occasionally notice a slight frame drop or delay, especially during video playback.

So my question is:

What are the best Sidecar settings and system optimizations to minimize latency and ensure the best performance when using Sidecar wirelessly?

Would switching to a USB connection noticeably improve things? Are there any hidden settings or tweaks in Display settingsAccessibility, or even Wi-Fi configuration that could help?

Any suggestions from users with a similar setup would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance!


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad Air, iPadOS 18

Posted on Apr 15, 2025 2:55 PM

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Optimizing Sidecar performance for MacBook Pro and iPad Air

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