I don’t get the “mac as a subscription” part. I have two macs, one bought in 2010, the other on 2013. Both work flawlessly, both are still getting security updates. What’s forcing me to get a new model?
I agree it’s getting to a point where the iPad could replace the entry level macs, should apple allow it. You can get a lot done on an iPad, but it’s not comparable to the mac because of the OS and dumbed down apps (office, for instance). Affinity photo works great, though, on an iPad.
So apple could release some sort of macOS for the iPad, that would be great for iPad Pros but make most of the iPad line sluggish, and that’s not a very good idea.
Maybe the point of having M1 processors is not bothering designing yet another processor, and as a bonus getting a device that will be smooth as butter for years.
Steve Jobs said an iPad was in between a phone and laptop. Perhaps a better question is should apple focus on making iPadOS a laptop replacement. I’d say no. Instead apple should focus on what an iPad can do well.
If it loses its simplicity then there goes the “anyone can use one” thing that alone sells it.
Meanwhile there’s a chorus of people wanting pro apps. Pro features. Multitasking. Apps that aren’t dumbed down. And the iPad Pro has an m1 chip, Magic kb, 8/16gb ram. If that isn’t crying for macOS then what is.
Apple didn’t hesitate to allow windows on a Mac. I’m doing so many could buy one or finally justify buying one. The same applies here. Having the option to run windows didn’t ruin anyone’s day.
Again I’d buy a 2k iPad Pro in a heartbeat if this happens. Otherwise no. Ill stick with a 599 Mac mini and a discounted iPad Air later. Maybe the bean counters can add that up. Apple should be for anything that sells more iPads.