Apple's Greg Joswiak: No Plans to Merge Mac and iPad

[UltimateSyn]

There is no chance in hell the spacing is just cosmetic, it makes no sense. It has to be for touch.

There is, in fact, an excellent chance that the additional spacing is just cosmetic. It makes great sense. It gives the UI elements more room to ‘breathe’ and makes the OS feel less tightly packed - I don’t even think that spacing gives it enough room to be touch targets.

Why exactly is it that so many tech people want / expect Apple to merge iOS/iPadOS and MacOS? As I’m typing on my iPad Pro 12.9 (2018), I certainly don’t want resizable windows of apps running simultaneously, so that I have to squint to see what I’m writing. No doubt the current multi-tasking on iPadOS isn’t good, but certainly a big part of that is the fact that small screen devices are always going to be challenged to do multiple things on-screen at the same time.

I’m sure Apple is working to improve multitasking, much like they’ve been improving the file system - which didn’t even exist a few years ago with iOS and iPadOS. Others have said it on here - the great thing about iPadOS and the iPad Pro’s in particular is just how easy they are to use. I’m in Safari now, but I can swipe up to look at my Home Screen, choose a different app, then go back to Safari or any other app just as easily.

I’ve been using my iPP for the past couple of years as my daily work (and play) device and love how it has gotten to the point where I can use it for work just as easily as I can grab it without the keyboard and use it for entertainment.

I’m realizing more and more lately that I love the primarily one-app focus of iPadOS.

 

[blairh]

Merge no...make a device that can run both OS depending on the current setup....yes for the love of god please. The Magic Keyboard has shown how good this could be. Attach a magic keyboard it becomes MacOS, no keyboard or trackpad, good ole iOS. That justify that $300+ keyboard more.

1000%.

 

[rumz]

Apple doesn't fragment functionality, they never have.

Sure they do. When a new iPhone or iPad comes out with some kind of hardware that the previous versions don’t have, there is software support for that hardware even within existing apps (like the camera app). How about things like FaceID and Animoji and such? Apple Pencil support? There are still lots of iPhones that don’t have those. It’s not really so much fragmenting functionality— it’s just that the newest tech ends up in the flagship device and may have software features that older / cheaper devices don’t have. Gradually the new stuff makes its way into cheaper devices.

Easy enough to say that dual boot is only available on M1 iPads as a “Pro” feature. I still don’t think they’ll do it. Just examining your argument.

 

[JPSaltzman]

"We're pushing to make the best Mac we can make

That ship has sailed long ago.... Today's Mac lineup is so crippled and limited (thanks, Jony Ivie!) and soldered-down that I look at PC lineups and am actually jealous (and amazed) at all the ports and connections the manufacturers just throw in for half the price.

And as far as the Mac OS goes, Apple was releasing far-better software that was less buggy when they charged $129 for the OS. Once they gave it away for free, they stopped caring whatever they released. And when people pointed out the obvious problems, Apple would just ignore the problems and release the next OS in September or October.

 

[scottct1]

Too bad, if I could switch between iPadOS and MacOS on the new iPad Pro I would have grabbed one without thinking twice.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

What can't you do on an iPad that you can on the Mac?

And I mean can't, not just "can't do it the same way as on the Mac".

I want to add them to my running list, to see if Apple is going to start checking them off.

They checked all of mine off (in no particular order):

1. RAM amount
2. Processor power
3. Proper output to external monitor
4. Mouse/trackpad support
5. Screen size (they're hitting the bare minimum with 12.9", I want 17")
6. Thunderbolt access to peripherals/external drives

I'm not asking for a lot I don't think.

1. I want to be able to transfer music, photo and video files into the TV and Music apps without using a laptop. I believe you can do this for photos, so the next step is music and videos. I believe this is not possible because Apple wants to force you to purchase everything through Apple. Basically I want a more versatile files app and the ability to import files into the native apple apps.
2. Full printer driver support. Not limited to AirPrint.
3. You can run iPad apps on an M1 Mac, but I want the reverse. Mac apps on the iPad. Completely universal apps like how iPhone to iPad currently is.
4. Wishful thinking - Install apps through a .dmg. Not being forced to get everything from the App Store. I can live without this, but this is the dream.
5. Real multitasking. If I want to run some task that takes 2 hours in the background, then let me.
6. Give me full control of my workspace. If I want messages, a movie, and a web browser running in the foreground then let me do it. Don't limit me to 2 apps.

I think that's the jist of it. I'd love to have a straight surface competitor, but I'd be happy if I could just do the things that would allow me to ditch my laptop. Just take the handcuffs off and let this machine do what it's more than capable of doing.

 

[jz0309]

I still see an M2 or M3 based MacBook Pro with a touchscreen and using that running iPadOS in a dedicated window...

 

[hot-gril]

They'll do it anyway.

 

[smulji]

This is a mistake imo - why bridge the gap with an M1 if you can't utilize both MacOS and iPadOS? They both offer different experiences but meet the needs at different times.

So annoying

What I do see happening is the merging of their development platforms around Apple Silicon + Swift / Swift UI allowing developers to more easily create apps for all Apple's devices => one app that works across all devices. I don't think we'll see macOS coming to iPad or OS / device mergers.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

Sure they do. When a new iPhone or iPad comes out with some kind of hardware that the previous versions don’t have, there is software support for that hardware even within existing apps (like the camera app). How about things like FaceID and Animoji and such? Apple Pencil support? There are still lots of iPhones that don’t have those. It’s not really so much fragmenting functionality— it’s just that the newest tech ends up in the flagship device and may have software features that older / cheaper devices don’t have. Gradually the new stuff makes its way into cheaper devices.

Easy enough to say that dual boot is only available on M1 iPads as a “Pro” feature. I still don’t think they’ll do it. Just examining your argument.

That software you speak of is run ON the existing software platform.

What you Mac-heads want is to replace that platform entirely.

Not happening. That's what Joswiak is talking about.

The iPad is not a PC: a collection of parts and software cobbled together by separate entities.

It's an Apple product. Every piece is there specifically chosen by Apple. Steve said it clearly: Those serious about hardware must design their own software.

The iPad hardware and its OS are ONE and INSEPARABLE (as far as Apple is concerned, of course).

 

[areudum]

Lets hope for a much better ipadOS. Maybe better features.

Also, now people can finally shut up about this macOS on ipad. Buy a macbook if you want macOS.

I for one, dont want it on my ipad. Maybe some macOS features at most.

 

[ignatius345]

But they use the same hardware, exactly the same

Except the Mac hardware isn't as good. MUCH worse front-facing cameras, a step behind in display tech (now that the iPad Pro has micro-LED), no cellular modem...

 

[magicschoolbus]

Just wait until apples magic keyboard senses it’s docked or
Hooked up to an external monitor giving it OSX inputs and sends the iPad booting into OSX.

 

[trifid]

There is, in fact, an excellent chance that the additional spacing is just cosmetic. It makes great sense. It gives the UI elements more room to ‘breathe’ and makes the OS feel less tightly packed - I don’t even think that spacing gives it enough room to be touch targets.

Spacing in Big Sur menu bar icons is exactly the same as iOS apps, check out these screenshots:

 

[ignatius345]

Oh, you mean like a keyboard and mouse....

MacOS is a cursor-only OS though. It's designed for usage that involves you orienting your hands horizontally in front of you and keeping them there, period. (And for many, not reaching for the pointing device any more often than necessary).

iPad OS set up so you manipulate the screen directly by default. Optionally (and very recently), you can use it the way you would a laptop -- but I guess occasionally also reaching out to touch the screen directly.

Two different things.

 

[areudum]

Isn’t an iPad a larger iPhone.

its a tablet.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

I'm not asking for a lot I don't think.

1. I want to be able to transfer music, photo and video files into the TV and Music apps without using a laptop. I believe you can do this for photos, so the next step is music and videos. I believe this is not possible because Apple wants to force you to purchase everything through Apple. Basically I want a more versatile files app and the ability to import files into the native apple apps.
2. Full printer driver support. Not limited to AirPrint.
3. You can run iPad apps on an M1 Mac, but I want the reverse. Mac apps on the iPad. Completely universal apps like how iPhone to iPad currently is.
4. Wishful thinking - Install apps through a .dmg. Not being forced to get everything from the App Store. I can live without this, but this is the dream.
5. Real multitasking. If I want to run some task that takes 2 hours in the background, then let me.
6. Give me full control of my workspace. If I want messages, a movie, and a web browser running in the foreground then let me do it. Don't limit me to 2 apps.

1. I haven't tried do do this, but it doesn't sound right. You can't pull from an external drive and import on the iPad? If not, this goes onto my list. However, this is more of a "I can't do it like I can on a Mac" item , so...borderline
2. Valid, but another "I can't do it like I can on a Mac" item , so...borderline because AirPrint does exist
3. An iPad version of the Mac App should suffice. This is a Microsoft Surface-y, macOS-on-iPad-hardware kind of request. Be specific to WHICH app you want to use but can't
4. The task here is installing apps. The how is what you take issue with.
5. Fair. I hope M1 addresses that, but it goes on the list.
6. Again, you want Mac-like multitasking, not iPad-like multitasking, but I'll allow it onto the list

I think that's the jist of it. I'd love to have a straight surface competitor, but I'd be happy if I could just do the things that would allow me to ditch my laptop. Just take the handcuffs off and let this machine do what it's more than capable of doing.

I think the iPad will NEVER be a device for you. Given the list above and that statement, it seems it's more about how you do things than what you do.

 

[richinaus]

Be specific. I can't add "truckloads" to my list.

No snark... I'm serious. I WANT to know.

The majority of my day is spent in 3D design and visualisation............... with email, web, office, adobe apps, evernote, todoist all running in the background. There is no way on the planet I can do this on an ipad.

Right now for example I am using 19gb Ram and only doing some basic stuff. This can easily hit 32gb+ and also I can utilise fully the 8gb on the GPU I have [which needs upgrading].

I love my ipad and use it for what it is - a tablet, and use the pencil extensively. Even with the M1 and if it had MacOS on it, it still would fall well short of the computing power I use. M1 is a consumer solution for low end tasks still, thats why it is not in the Pro computers, which we all know will get a more powerful chip.

 

[mansplains]

Taking notes, doing assignments, writing exams, reading papers, scribbling formulas, drawing diagrams, etc. You need a stylus input with a big screen. In STEM, typing notes is very difficult because you can’t easily type triple-level styled Greek letters with subscripts, superscripts, hats, fast enough

And in what ways would macOS help in these efforts over iPadOS? Because you can do these things on iPadOS today.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

MacOS is a cursor-only OS though. It's designed for usage that involves you orienting your hands horizontally in front of you and keeping them there, period. (And for many, not reaching for the pointing device any more often than necessary).

iPad OS set up so you manipulate the screen directly by default. Optionally (and very recently), you can use it the way you would a laptop -- but I guess occasionally also reaching out to touch the screen directly.

Two different things.

I learned this the hard way when using my Note8 and it's very precise stylus on a desktop website and trying to activate and select from a drop-down menu.

It just didn't work right and I couldn't do it.

The limitations go both ways, and I admit the world out there is still older infrastructure and desktop-centric.

This has not stopped the iPhone and iPad momentum though, which is why the iPad is the future: it's similarities to iOS that macOS does NOT share.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

1. I haven't tried do do this, but it doesn't sound right. You can't pull from an external drive and import on the iPad? If not, this goes onto my list. However, this is more of a "I can't do it like I can on a Mac" item , so...borderline
2. Valid, but another "I can't do it like I can on a Mac" item , so...borderline because AirPrint does exist
3. An iPad version of the Mac App should suffice. This is a Microsoft Surface-y, macOS-on-iPad-hardware kind of request. Be specific to WHICH app you want to use but can't
4. The task here is installing apps. The how is what you take issue with.
5. Fair. I hope M1 addresses that, but it goes on the list.
6. Again, you want Mac-like multitasking, not iPad-like multitasking, but I'll allow it onto the list


I think the iPad will NEVER be a device for you. Given the list above and that statement, it seems it's more about how you do things than what you do.

1. Unless Apple has changed things, there is no ability to import files into the TV app or music app unless you use a Mac or PC. Taking out the need for the computer is the critical part.

2. AirPrint simply doesn't allow for the customization needed. Especially when printing photos.

3. Yes, you're right that it should suffice. There are just a lot of apps missing. Like Xcode and Final Cut Pro.

4. I guess you're right. My issue is with apps that Apple doesn't allow on the App Store, and I want to be able to use them on my device such as Steam or GamePass. The iPad is the perfect device for those apps.

 

[areudum]

And in what ways would macOS help in these efforts over iPadOS? Because you can do these things on iPadOS today.

yes? that was the point, i think you misunderstood.

 

[jca666us]

What's the point of making the iPad as powerful as it is now, without any sort of power user features? Where's support for programming on iPad? XCode? For that, we need to have far better control of the files.

iPadOS needs to be beefed up A LOT. Not saying it should be merged with MacOS, or even dual booted.. but SOMETHING needs to be done.

The point is to run pro apps?

With 8/16 gigs of ram, apple has something planned.

 

[jjudson]

This is why the Surface Pro blows, it tries to be a tablet, but with the Windows operating system. The same would be true here, except with Big Sur...

 

[mansplains]

yes? that was the point, i think you misunderstood.

The case I'm making is that you can already do these things on an iPad without needing macOS, that I fail to see a use case where macOS should be on iPad. I may have been agreeing with WoodpeckerBaby though, you may be right