Sidecar - Has anyone got it working?

[rez07]

Reaplied the fix after updating to beta 5, and again it is working

One thing i noticed is that now it almost works via wifi...it says "bad connection" on the iPad" and "ALERT REASON Error Domain=SidecarErrorDomain Code=-201 "deviceTimedOut"

Before it just crashed with a different error message

 

[jackluke]

Reaplied the fix after updating to beta 5, and again it is working

One thing i noticed is that now it almost works via wifi...it says "bad connection" on the iPad" and "ALERT REASON Error Domain=SidecarErrorDomain Code=-201 "deviceTimedOut"

Before it just crashed with a different error message

I noticed that error message has changed (before was a ClientID error), but never got working Sidecar in wireless mode with iPad Air 2 or mini 4 but only wired usb-lightning, I guess in the apple's plan they intend to exclude those devices from Sidecar, since video streaming quality is mid-low.

 

[EugW]

I noticed that error message has changed (before was a ClientID error), but never got working Sidecar in wireless mode with iPad Air 2 or mini 4 but only wired usb-lightning, I guess in the apple's plan they intend to exclude those devices from Sidecar, since video streaming quality is mid-low.

Could you take a screen grab of the video quality on the Air 2 with your patch? It must be a problem of trying to use h.264 with low lag.

Video quality with my iPad Pro 10.5” is essentially perfect (presumably with HEVC), with my 2017 MacBook.

 

[jackluke]

Could you take a screen grab of the video quality on the Air 2 with your patch? It must be a problem of trying to use h.264 with low lag.

Video quality with my iPad Pro 10.5” is essentially perfect (presumably with HEVC), with my 2017 MacBook.

I added the pictures on previous post: Sidecar beta5 iPad Air 2

Only possible selectable scaled resolution is 960x704 , and ipad screen refreshing sometimes shows minimum artifacts/glitches, but at least the streaming is in real-time, just few milliseconds of delay, but it's wired usb-lightning that also is slower than an usb type-c .

 

[Smoovejayy]

So is iPad Air 2 officially supported or not for Sidecar?

I just went through the trouble of installing iOS 13 Public Beta 4 on my iPad Air 2, and couldn't get Sidecar to work with my 2017 MacBook. Works fine with the iPad Pro 10.5.

If the iPad Air 2 is not officially supported, then that would make sense, given the iPad Air 2's lack of official hardware HEVC decode support.

When the first PB was released, I was able to use my iPad Air 2 with my 2017 MBP, albeit with issues. I haven’t tried since. I’ll test after installing the newest PB.

Apple did say iPad Air 2 supports sidecar.

 

[EugW]

‘

When the first PB was released, I was able to use my iPad Air 2 with my 2017 MBP, albeit with issues. I haven’t tried since. I’ll test after installing the newest PB.

That’s just it, it hasn’t worked lately.

Apple did say iPad Air 2 supports sidecar.

Where did it say that? I have not seen that. I have just seen third party sites claiming that.

 

[jackluke]

‘

That’s just it, it hasn’t worked lately.


Where did it say that? I have not seen that. I have just seen third party sites claiming that.

Right, only Catalina release where Sidecar worked for iPad Air 2 (and mini 4) was Catalina beta 2.
[doublepost=1564685481][/doublepost]

When the first PB was released, I was able to use my iPad Air 2 with my 2017 MBP, albeit with issues. I haven’t tried since. I’ll test after installing the newest PB.

Apple did say iPad Air 2 supports sidecar.

It won't work more, but you could try my patched file for iPad Air 2 (and mini 4), but you need SIP disabled, otherwise you can't replace system files, in this specific case a binary exec for Sidecar private framework.

 

[Smoovejayy]

Right, only Catalina release where Sidecar worked for iPad Air 2 (and mini 4) was Catalina beta 2.
[doublepost=1564685481][/doublepost]

It won't work more, but you could try my patched file for iPad Air 2 (and mini 4), but you need SIP disabled, otherwise you can't replace system files, in this specific case a binary exec for Sidecar private framework.

Oh. I didn’t know Apple dropped support for that feature. That kinda sucks. Did Apple specifically say IA2 cannot get it anymore or do they just not mention the model?

 

[SubStrider]

Reaplied the fix after updating to beta 5, and again it is working

That's good to hear. For me the beta 4 is working perfectly fine without any bugs almost as if I was running a prod build. The only reason I installed a beta was to get sidecar working so I have no reason to upgrade to the next beta builds for now.

 

[jackluke]

Oh. I didn’t know Apple dropped support for that feature. That kinda sucks. Did Apple specifically say IA2 cannot get it anymore or do they just not mention the model?

Who knows if until final 10.15.0 they'll improve Sidecar to include iPad Air 2 (and mini 4 that is almost the same device), but currently even if patched the streaming quality is not so good, more over those devices lack the possibility to use the iPencil that can act as a mouse cursor on the mirrored desktop.
[doublepost=1564734887][/doublepost]

That's good to hear. For me the beta 4 is working perfectly fine without any bugs almost as if I was running a prod build. The only reason I installed a beta was to get sidecar working so I have no reason to upgrade to the next beta builds for now.

On the latest DP5 or PB4 either my old patched file and newer still allow to use Sidecar on iPad Air 2, mini 4 and some other non-hevc machine: Sidecar beta fix

Even if the previous one still works, I re-patched also the new SidecarCore because apple have increased its byte size from 253 to 254 Kb, and in 1 Kb of coding there are many new functions maybe useful also for older device.

 

[shacata]

I am not able to test the patch, because the finder do not let me modify the file system.
Tried as root and with the terminal, no luck neither.
How do you manage ?
[doublepost=1565550867][/doublepost]I am not able to test the patch, because the finder do not let me modify the file system.
Tried as root and with the terminal, no luck neither.
How do you manage ?

 

[SubStrider]

Moreover you should have SIP disabled (csrutil disable) to replace that file.

^^ This ^^

 

[shacata]

Oh yes, already done that, SIP status is disabled, sorry I didn't mentioned before.
I cannot touch the files inside the Library folder, even as root. Permissions are also untouchable.
I get the response: "Read-only file system" every time.
It is the last public beta version, and the funny thing is that I had SideCar working with the ipad mini v5 with the first beta (and a MacBook pro, early 2013).
Makes my crazy

 

[jeroenvip]

I had this error also while trying to connect with SideCar

"ALERT REASON Error Domain=SidecarErrorDomain Code=-201 "deviceTimedOut"

Using a 6th generation ipad and a macbook pro 13 inch 2018 model. THe problem was. Bluetooth in my macbookpro was disabled. Even if you connect with a cable you still need to have bluetooth enabled to make it work.

Edit: seems that this is not working as it suppose to be. Back to the drawing board

 

[iMac-Oldschool]

Tried this again today on an unsupported iMac8,1.
Catalina version macOS 10.15 (19A526h)
iPad Pro (9.7 -inch)
Software version 13.0 (17A5556d)
Error message
"ALERT REASON Error Domain=SidecarErrorDomain Code=-401 "displayVideoStreamInterrupted"

 

[iMac-Oldschool]

Tried this again today on an unsupported iMac8,1.
Catalina version macOS 10.15 (19A526h)
iPad Pro (9.7 -inch)
Software version 13.0 (17A5556d)
Error message
"ALERT REASON Error Domain=SidecarErrorDomain Code=-401 "displayVideoStreamInterrupted"

A new Catalina version was released today, 10.15 Beta (19A536g).
Sidecar in System Preferences no longer connects to the iPad.
@jackluke are you planning a new patcher?

 

[jackluke]

Oh yes, already done that, SIP status is disabled, sorry I didn't mentioned before.
I cannot touch the files inside the Library folder, even as root. Permissions are also untouchable.
I get the response: "Read-only file system" every time.
It is the last public beta version, and the funny thing is that I had SideCar working with the ipad mini v5 with the first beta (and a MacBook pro, early 2013).
Makes my crazy

Not only SIP disabled, but you need also to mount the Catalina APFS file system as writeable in order to overwrite Catalina frameworks, just open Catalina Terminal and copy/paste: sudo mount -uw / ; killall Finder
[doublepost=1566300216][/doublepost]

A new Catalina version was released today, 10.15 Beta (19A536g).
Sidecar in System Preferences no longer connects to the iPad.
@jackluke are you planning a new patcher?

Just taken a quick look to new SidecarCore unix exec and they increased it again (adding new functions) from 254 to 258 Kb , but using the previous patched file should still work, since as you seen the iPadOS beta stages are forward than the Catalina ones.

Anyway I should be able to re-patch and test it, since before release I should avoid any side effects to newer Mac and iPad, that don't need any patch at all to work in Sidecar, but I guess a patch is still required when someone with a 2018 Mac wants to use sidecar with iPad Air 2 or mini 4, or someone else with a 2012 Mac wants to use sidecar with iPad Air 3 or iPad mini 5 .


edit: updated and added the SidecarCore beta 6 patched

For iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2 it only works wired through usb-lightning cable plugged.

 

[shacata]

OK, reporting results: old MacBook Pro retina early 2013 MacBookPro10,1 and last Catalina 10.15 beta (19A536g), iPad mini 5 with last iPadOS 13 public beta 6, and usb-lightning cable connection and beta 6 patch, warm thanks to @jackluke

Is not working, on iPad screen appears a "Bad connection" message :

Error message
"ALERT REASON Error Domain=SidecarErrorDomain Code=-201 "deviceTimedOut"

It tries on and off, the lateral bar shows, but nothing else (dark screen).

The graphics cards are:

Intel HD Graphics 4000 / NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M

Maybe not powerful enough?.

 

[jackluke]

OK, reporting results: old MacBook Pro retina early 2013 MacBookPro10,1 and last Catalina 10.15 beta (19A536g), iPad mini 5 with last iPadOS 13 public beta 6, and usb-lightning cable connection and beta 6 patch, warm thanks to @jackluke

Is not working, on iPad screen appears a "Bad connection" message :

Error message
"ALERT REASON Error Domain=SidecarErrorDomain Code=-201 "deviceTimedOut"

It tries on and off, the lateral bar shows, but nothing else (dark screen).

The graphics cards are:

Intel HD Graphics 4000 / NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M

Maybe not powerful enough?.

I guess you are referring that in wireless mode Sidecar doesn't work even using the patch, but I think it's a limitation of "Intel HD 4000", that is a non-HEVC GPU (but AirPlay Display capable), in some way apple haven't implemented the "Sidecar wireless video streaming" for those non-HEVC GPUs.

Instead AFAIK, the Nvidia GeForce GT 650M, even if enough powerful, doesn't have any embedded "AirPlay Video Mirroring" feature, because Sidecar completely rely on the AirPlay frameworks.

Hence using my patch with non-HEVC (at least "AirPlay Video Mirroring" capable) GPUs the Sidecar only works in wired mode.

 

[iMac-Oldschool]

Not only SIP disabled, but you need also to mount the Catalina APFS file system as writeable in order to overwrite Catalina frameworks, just open Catalina Terminal and copy/paste: sudo mount -uw / ; killall Finder
[doublepost=1566300216][/doublepost]

Just taken a quick look to new SidecarCore unix exec and they increased it again (adding new functions) from 254 to 258 Kb , but using the previous patched file should still work, since as you seen the iPadOS beta stages are forward than the Catalina ones.

Anyway I should be able to re-patch and test it, since before release I should avoid any side effects to newer Mac and iPad, that don't need any patch at all to work in Sidecar, but I guess a patch is still required when someone with a 2018 Mac wants to use sidecar with iPad Air 2 or mini 4, or someone else with a 2012 Mac wants to use sidecar with iPad Air 3 or iPad mini 5 .


edit: updated and added the SidecarCore beta 6 patched

For iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2 it only works wired through usb-lightning cable plugged.

Jackluke
Thanks for getting back so quickly. I'm going to test sidecar first on my

Not only SIP disabled, but you need also to mount the Catalina APFS file system as writeable in order to overwrite Catalina frameworks, just open Catalina Terminal and copy/paste: sudo mount -uw / ; killall Finder
[doublepost=1566300216][/doublepost]

Just taken a quick look to new SidecarCore unix exec and they increased it again (adding new functions) from 254 to 258 Kb , but using the previous patched file should still work, since as you seen the iPadOS beta stages are forward than the Catalina ones.

Anyway I should be able to re-patch and test it, since before release I should avoid any side effects to newer Mac and iPad, that don't need any patch at all to work in Sidecar, but I guess a patch is still required when someone with a 2018 Mac wants to use sidecar with iPad Air 2 or mini 4, or someone else with a 2012 Mac wants to use sidecar with iPad Air 3 or iPad mini 5 .


edit: updated and added the SidecarCore beta 6 patched

For iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2 it only works wired through usb-lightning cable plugged.

 

[iMac-Oldschool]

@jackluke
Just updated an iMac13,1 to 10.15 Beta (19A536g) and an iPad Pro (9.7inch) to 13.0 (17A5565b).
The latest OS is supposed to be supported on both machines.
Tried to install Sidecar beta 6 patch.
The command
sudo mount -uw / ; killall Finder
failed with
mount_apfs: volume could not be mounted: Operation not permitted
mount: / failed with 77
SidecarCore could not be copied to the directory
/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/SidecarCore.framework/Versions/A

 

[jackluke]

@jackluke
Just updated an iMac13,1 to 10.15 Beta (19A536g) and an iPad Pro (9.7inch) to 13.0 (17A5565b).
The latest OS is supposed to be supported on both machines.
Tried to install Sidecar beta 6 patch.
The command
sudo mount -uw / ; killall Finder
failed with
mount_apfs: volume could not be mounted: Operation not permitted
mount: / failed with 77
SidecarCore could not be copied to the directory
/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/SidecarCore.framework/Versions/A

You should also disable SIP, reboot into CMD+R (macOS Recovery or any USB Installer higher than El Capitan), then open a Recovery Terminal and type: csrutil disable ; reboot

After return to the Catalina desktop, re-type from a Catalina Terminal: sudo mount -uw / ; killall Finder
and now you should be able to replace and use that framework patched file.

 

[iMac-Oldschool]

@jackluke
Just updated an iMac13,1 to 10.15 Beta (19A536g) and an iPad Pro (9.7inch) to 13.0 (17A5565b).
The latest OS is supposed to be supported on both machines.
Tried to install Sidecar beta 6 patch.
The command
sudo mount -uw / ; killall Finder
failed with
mount_apfs: volume could not be mounted: Operation not permitted
mount: / failed with 77
SidecarCore could not be copied to the directory
/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/SidecarCore.framework/Versions/A

@jackluke
Resolved the failed mount problem. iMac13,1 is a supported machine and I had forgotten that SIP had been enabled. Sidecar is very unimpressive, but as you state this is probably a GPU issue. Thanks again for your help in getting this working.
[doublepost=1566328116][/doublepost]

@jackluke
Resolved the failed mount problem. iMac13,1 is a supported machine and I had forgotten that SIP had been enabled. Sidecar is very unimpressive, but as you state this is probably a GPU issue. Thanks again for your help in getting this working.

You beat me to it! Sent the answer as I was keying my response.

 

[jackluke]

@jackluke
Resolved the failed mount problem. iMac13,1 is a supported machine and I had forgotten that SIP had been enabled. Sidecar is very unimpressive, but as you state this is probably a GPU issue. Thanks again for your help in getting this working.
[doublepost=1566328116][/doublepost]
You beat me to it! Sent the answer as I was keying my response.

Without an HEVC GPU, Sidecar quality is not the best, probably that's why apple disabled it, but just for curiosity on your iMac 2012 which GPU do you have and are you able to Sidecar in wifi or only wired ?

 

[iMac-Oldschool]

Without an HEVC GPU, Sidecar quality is not the best, probably that's why apple disabled it, but just for curiosity on your iMac 2012 which GPU do you have and are you able to Sidecar in wifi or only wired ?

The processor is an NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M 512 MB.
The 2012 iMac is the oldest model supported by Catalina, which suggests that Apple will probably drop it from the 2020 or 2021 release of macOS. It does't seem worth investing in a new graphics card, even if one is available.
It only appears to work wired and even then is not really a useable feature.