Are you interested in switching to iPad primary use now with the changes introduced in iPadOS 26?

[Populus]

I already filled the poll. But there are too many options… I’d have put only 3 or 4 options.

Yes: this year’s fall, or next years’ spring, whenever I see the system polished enough for the M2 iPad Pro, without notably worsening the battery life, I will do a fresh install and try to use my M2 iPad Pro (1TB, 16GB of RAM), and try to use it for everything. I mean, I already do 80% of my tasks on my iPad Pro, connected to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse. But I really wish this new iPadOS 26 will allow me to use my M2 iPad Pro for almost everything, given the new interface, multitasking and menu.

I was planning to buy a new M4 or M5 Mac mini, but I think I’ll wait a bit for now… sure, there are a few tasks where a new M4 or M5 Mac mini would be great, but honestly, I think I’ll wait to see how this works out.

 

[AlanMarron]

I already filled the poll. But there are too many options… I’d have put only 3 or 4 options.

Yes: this year’s fall, or next years’ spring, whenever I see the system polished enough for the M2 iPad Pro, without notably worsening the battery life, I will do a fresh install and try to use my M2 iPad Pro (1TB, 16GB of RAM), and try to use it for everything. I mean, I already do 80% of my tasks on my iPad Pro, connected to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse. But I really wish this new iPadOS 26 will allow me to use my M2 iPad Pro for almost everything, given the new interface, multitasking and menu.

I was planning to buy a new M4 or M5 Mac mini, but I think I’ll wait a bit for now… sure, there are a few tasks where a new M4 or M5 Mac mini would be great, but honestly, I think I’ll wait to see how this works out.

I put 26 dev1 on my 9th gen iPad, and I think you’ll be pleased. Dev1 has many bugs, but the windowing works well and it didn’t hammer the battery. And importantly for me, Liquid Glass can be dialed back through accessibility.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

What am I missing here? Looks like Chrome to me.

Looks like Chrome isn't is Chrome. Chrome on iPadOS uses Safari's rendering engine - every browser is forced to by Apple's policy. Chrome, Firefox, Opera, etc all Safari with different window dressing and password management bolted on.

And why the hatred for Tim Cook? He became CEO in August of 2011.

It's nothing personal, and I wouldn't even call it hatred. He just happens to be the guy in charge at this moment, so he gets a shoutout in my frustrated posting.

 

[xaqt93]

I would switch no problem...but the only issue...Apple still does not have Xcode. If they had Xcode on the iPad, I would switch over completely in a heart beat and not worry about my Mac anymore. Haha.

 

[AlanMarron]

Looks like Chrome isn't is Chrome. Chrome on iPadOS uses Safari's rendering engine - every browser is forced to by Apple's policy. Chrome, Firefox, Opera, etc all Safari with different window dressing and password management bolted on.



It's nothing personal, and I wouldn't even call it hatred. He just happens to be the guy in charge at this moment, so he gets a shoutout in my frustrated posting.

Chrome on iPad is sufficiently different that the SAT server gives it a pass. Maybe the initial identification is all that it’s looking for.

I don’t care if it’s made by bakers or elves in a hollow tree if it works.

Of course, I began with Mosaic.

 

[Kal Madda]

I already filled the poll. But there are too many options… I’d have put only 3 or 4 options.

Yes: this year’s fall, or next years’ spring, whenever I see the system polished enough for the M2 iPad Pro, without notably worsening the battery life, I will do a fresh install and try to use my M2 iPad Pro (1TB, 16GB of RAM), and try to use it for everything. I mean, I already do 80% of my tasks on my iPad Pro, connected to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse. But I really wish this new iPadOS 26 will allow me to use my M2 iPad Pro for almost everything, given the new interface, multitasking and menu.

I was planning to buy a new M4 or M5 Mac mini, but I think I’ll wait a bit for now… sure, there are a few tasks where a new M4 or M5 Mac mini would be great, but honestly, I think I’ll wait to see how this works out.

Thanks, yeah, one of those options was on accident actually (ipad is already my pro, I was trying to do primary, but I accidentally bumped enter I think and it autocorrected since I only had Pr typed in), and a few I added to other’s suggestions. 👍🏻. I figured out it doesn’t let you remove any options after you add them, hence why the accidental one is still there, and it looks like some people understood what I was trying to do with it. But there are quite a few options.

I think you will really like iPadOS 26! I’m really excited about the feature changes! And I’ve been planning to upgrade to an M4 iPad Pro for a while, I’m hoping to be able to upgrade soon! I’m planning on upgrading to the 13” model this time, after extensive experimentation with display models. 👍🏻

 

[revs]

I use a MBA at the moment and have an iPad as secondary.

If iOS continues to improve, and this isnt just a single update and then stagnation for 5yrs, then I'll consider my next Mac to be a MacMini and use an iPad + Keyboard case as my mobile machine.

I'll always need a 'real' computer, and even if I used an iPad 90% of the time I couldn't do without a Mac somewhere (at least for the foreseeable future)

 

[rui no onna]

(I don’t recall when Apple added “Files” to iPadOS, but that addition was when I began daily use of the iPads that I’ve had since 2012. )

Maybe 9 or 10? They implemented iCloud Drive first then added the Files app an update or two later.

 

[adriantepes]

If you can replace Macbook with Ipad you would probably be fine with a Chromebook as well.

 

[Kal Madda]

Maybe 9 or 10? They implemented iCloud Drive first then added the Files app an update or two later.

I believe it was iPadOS 13 when Apple added the official Files app, but I think 9 or 10 had iCloud Drive as you mentioned. 👍🏻

 

[Timpetus]

Also...

Can you take great pictures with a MacBook?
Can you scan documents and photos with a MacBook?

No, I do those things with my iPhone, which is much better at them and more portable. It also provides a cellular connection for my MBP, when needed. The iPad is a poor substitute for those two devices. It's fine as a tertiary device for use alongside the others, like when I'm playing in my band. The MBP runs Mainstage, the iPad shows me the lead sheets, and my iPhone is available to livestream the show, take photos, post on social media, etc.

 

[yabeweb]

Nice with the upgrades, but why would I buy a 13” iPad and a keyboard, at a higher cost than a MBA that does more?

It still lacks a customisable desktop and a fully fledged file manager too.

Because it doubles as a tablet, be cause it has touchscreen, because it supports the pen…the promotion display, the ability to capture pics and videos if needed, because you can remove the keyboard and use it in cramped spaces, i mean there are plenty of reasons.
iPad can be a very nice alternative, may be not for everyone but it’s a great device that stand its place on its own.


Believe or not there are a lot of people living with iPad only and don’t regret or miss much from having a computer.

 

[Populus]

Because it doubles as a tablet, be cause it has touchscreen, because it supports the pen…the promotion display, the ability to capture pics and videos if needed, because you can remove the keyboard and use it in cramped spaces, i mean there are plenty of reasons.
iPad can be a very nice alternative, may be not for everyone but it’s a great device that stand its place on its own.


Believe or not there are a lot of people living with iPad only and don’t regret or miss much from having a computer.

Exactly, now more than ever, it’s a matter of choice and what device are you more comfortable with.

Also if you value a lightweight device to carry with you all day long, there’s an added benefit.

 

[Enygmatic]

Because it doubles as a tablet, be cause it has touchscreen, because it supports the pen…the promotion display, the ability to capture pics and videos if needed, because you can remove the keyboard and use it in cramped spaces, i mean there are plenty of reasons.
iPad can be a very nice alternative, may be not for everyone but it’s a great device that stand its place on its own.


Believe or not there are a lot of people living with iPad only and don’t regret or miss much from having a computer.

Cellular connectivity is another plus

 

[bondr006]

Cellular connectivity is another plus

When it comes to the iPad, I think this saying fits well.

“The iPad can be your MacBook but your MacBook can never be your tablet.”

Don’t remember where I first saw that but I like it.😊

 

[pdoherty]

I must say the previews of the upcoming changes in iPadOS 26 have me super impressed with Apple - way to go! This is the stuff we've all wanted!

 

[adriantepes]

When it comes to the iPad, I think this saying fits well.

“The iPad can be your MacBook but your MacBook can never be your tablet.”

Don’t remember where I first saw that but I like it.😊

This type of device exists, its called Surface Pro. People still use regular laptops for many reasons.

 

[Kal Madda]

This type of device exists, its called Surface Pro iPad Pro. People still use regular laptops for many reasons.

There, fixed it for you. 🙂👍🏻

 

[bondr006]

This type of device exists, its called Surface Pro. People still use regular laptops for many reasons.

The iPad is not "this type of device" but it certainly can replace a laptop/MBP for an ever growing number of people. My point was that a MB Pro/Air will never be a tablet replacement. IMHO the iPad is the most versatile device Apple has ever made, and with 26...it just gained a bunch of new/better functionality, bringing it ever closer to being the perfect mobile solution. And, for those who can swing it....the perfect all around computing solution. There are some here that have already accomplished that.

I know there are some that really like the Surface Pro, and it is a cool 2 in 1 device but Windows still just doesn't come close to matching the iPad's tablet prowess.😉

 

[eltoslightfoot]

The iPad is not "this type of device" but it certainly can replace a laptop/MBP for an ever growing number of people. My point was that a MB Pro/Air will never be a tablet replacement. IMHO the iPad is the most versatile device Apple has ever made, and with 26...it just gained a bunch of new/better functionality, bringing it ever closer to being the perfect mobile solution. And, for those who can swing it....the perfect all around computing solution. There are some here that have already accomplished that.

I know there are some that really like the Surface Pro, and it is a cool 2 in 1 device but Windows still just doesn't come close to matching the IPad's tablet prowess.😉

Yeah I own both and you have to decide do you mostly want a tablet (iPad Pro)? Or do you mostly want a laptop (Surface Pro)?

Neither is perfect, but I am rolling mostly with my iPad Pro 12.9" M1 (with the beta) over the Surface Pro as a companion device to my gaming laptop.

 

[mblm85]

The iPad is not for me but these changes make it even easier to suggest an iPad to my non-techie friends and family. The sort who mainly consume media but insist they need a computer for files and documents.

It's now a no-brainer for them.

Some insist on a physical keyboard. They'll get a bluetooth one and then only use it once a year.

 

[Kal Madda]

When it comes to the iPad, I think this saying fits well.

“The iPad can be your MacBook but your MacBook can never be your tablet.”

Don’t remember where I first saw that but I like it.😊

Exactly. With the iPad, I can use it as a tablet, and when I want to use it as a laptop, I just snap my iPad onto a magnetic keyboard case and it’s like a laptop (in my case a mini-laptop, since I have the 11” model). In my opinion, it’s the perfect balance of both. I have no reason to buy a MacBook with my iPad setup. 👍🏻

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

It won’t replace my desktop but good chances that I won’t buy another laptop.
For those who own and use a desktop for heavy lifting and the laptop is mainly for mobility and some quick work, chances are that the time come when the iPad can become the main mobile device.
Obviously, this depends a lot on personal and professional needs.

 

[8digital]

Depending on how ‘tactile’ the window graphic behaviour is compared to macOS, the iPad could be a great Mac replacement for day-to-day tasks. Especially as there is no cellular/5G option in any of their laptops.

 

[Andy_2341]

If you can replace Macbook with Ipad you would probably be fine with a Chromebook as well.

I went the other way and replaced my Chromebook with an iPad mini 6 cause I hated the Chromebook's quality. Maybe one could a do a nice Chromebook and be fine, but one like a school-issued ($150 range. I had a school-issued and a personal) one is horrible in my opinion. Plus it's all Google stuff.