Other Desktop mode on future iPhone

[4419867]

So I'm starting to get interested in Samsung DeX and Ready For by Motorola. Heard of this feature before but I feel more interested now than ever. It undeniably feels like the future.

There's a hidden desktop mode in Android since Android 10 and some minor update in Android 12, I think. At present it only seems to be offered by Samsung, Motorola and Huawei (heard something about Xiaomi as well as former LG). However, the fact that it's hidden in Android at all says something about Google's plans.

How interested are you Apple fans of this feature? I guess Apple won't jump on this if they don't have to as it may affect their other product categories (Mac, iPad). In my opinion sad as I think most people will be happy with the power of today's and future phone processors. I know people who don't even own anything other than their phone.

Of course, there will always be professionals who need more power but I'm talking about the larger mass.

Fortunately, I'm not tied to Apple's ecosystem (used Android and iOS as much). So for me it will be easy, but of course I hope that Apple wants to get into the game as well (competition is always good). However, I doubt that Apple will do it voluntarily (would like to be wrong).

Would love to hear your thoughts and reflections. I personally see no major point with the phone running both iOS and macOS but developing iOS to offer a desktop environment (more like iPadOS). Although iPadOS also requires improvements, just such a thing as it has black bars on the side when connected to a monitor...

 

[eyoungren]

Assuming for the moment that Apple was planning to do this, what would be the advantage?

The current iOS environment where icons reside (your homepage(s)) is called Springboard (because you launch apps from it). I'm struggling to understand the difference between the current springboard and 'desktop' mode.

What would 'desktop' mode allow you to do that springboard currently does not allow (aside from placing icons wherever you want them)?

 

[jav6454]

Why would a phone need a desktop mode? Apple has differentiated the entire ecosystem. If you need something more desktop, look to an iPad or a laptop.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Why would a phone need a desktop mode? Apple has differentiated the entire ecosystem. If you need something more desktop, look to an iPad or a laptop.

Because it is as powerful as the things you mention. Plug in a dongle that has display, mouse and keyboard, and you have an ultraportable platform That expands to a proper work unit when you get home.

 

[jav6454]

Because it is as powerful as the things you mention. Plug in a dongle that has display, mouse and keyboard, and you have an ultraportable platform That expands to a proper work unit when you get home.

Again, you have an entire ecosystem that scales according to the type of usage described. It's like trying to paint a 5000 sq ft house with only one brush. I can be done, but it's easier to use the right tools.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Again, you have an entire ecosystem that scales according to the type of usage described. It's like trying to paint a 5000 sq ft house with only one brush. I can be done, but it's easier to use the right tools.

Again, the iPhone would give you the excact same tool as owning a Mac Mini.

 

[4419867]

Assuming for the moment that Apple was planning to do this, what would be the advantage?

The current iOS environment where icons reside (your homepage(s)) is called Springboard (because you launch apps from it). I'm struggling to understand the difference between the current springboard and 'desktop' mode.

What would 'desktop' mode allow you to do that springboard currently does not allow (aside from placing icons wherever you want them)?

Not sure what you're talking about. Desktop mode isn't something you have on the iPhone display itself, but something that you could get when you connect it to an external monitor/TV. Just like Samsung DeX, Ready For by Motorola etc.

Why would a phone need a desktop mode? Apple has differentiated the entire ecosystem. If you need something more desktop, look to an iPad or a laptop.

Why? You don't think it's a lost opportunity, that a phone that is almost as powerful or as powerful as a laptop and tablet, can't do more? Why not? Because Apple decided so?

Again, you have an entire ecosystem that scales according to the type of usage described. It's like trying to paint a 5000 sq ft house with only one brush. I can be done, but it's easier to use the right tools.

Why should people who don't need an extremely powerful computer (more powerful than today's flagship phones) be limited by their phone?

Phones today are small computers that could be connected to an external monitor and be used as a traditional computer with a keyboard and mouse. Why buy other devices for something that your phone can already do?

Instead of having multiple devices, you literally have one device that does it all, and just one device to worry about.

If this isn't the future, I don't know what is.

 

[DrCC]

You don't need to make a desktop mode on the iPhone, the iPhone can easily become a whole macOS running computer when connected to a monitor. Dual boot can easily do that and switch back and forth between iOS / macOS depending on how you intend to use the device.

Just think about it: in the future any iPhone will be powered by a future version of the M1. The iPad is already powered by the M1 and it M1 natively supports Thunderbolt and so will the iPhone. Connect the iPhone to a Thunderbolt dock that is connected to a monitor, keyboard, printer, etc. and there you have it. The iPhone has enough storage to boot into macOS and function just like a regular Mac and the chip support is probably already there, the only thing that prevents it from happening is Apple. For that to happen, the iPad has to become a tablet / macOS hybrid device first, but that hasn't started either.

To me, an iPhone becoming a full blown computer would be the next big thing since the introduction of the iPhone. One device for all my computing needs, mobile or desktop. I would happily pay the price of an iPhone and Macbook combined if such an iPhone existed. Too bad Apple doesn't seem to see the opportunity. Microsoft can't match this with Windows and their ecosystem since they are in bed with x86-64 chips that are power hungry, that would never work on mobile. Microsoft is now in bed with Google for Android on mobile phones (different OS and different ecosystem all together). Apple can have their whole ecosystem with apps and everything on 1 device only and they would be the only option on the market, they could just own this market segment without any competition.

 

[4419867]

I'm aware that it's still a new/early development phase, but there are already people who manage with only Samsung DeX and have left their laptop or tablet behind.

What if people with iPhones couldn't only film with their phones but also edit in e.g. iMovie on an external monitor with a keyboard and mouse. Instead of trying to do it on the phone or being forced to switch to an iPad or MacBook (or iMac).

Of course, Apple wants you to buy more devices and justifies it with "seamless experience", but the truth is that a phone that does more doesn't need any seamless experience.

 

[jagolden]

Because it is as powerful as the things you mention. Plug in a dongle that has display, mouse and keyboard, and you have an ultraportable platform That expands to a proper work unit when you get home.

True, but there are iPad apps that are not compatible with the iPhone.
Still would be interested in it though.

 

[4419867]

You don't need a desktop mode on the iPhone, the iPhone can easily become a whole macOS running computer when connected to a monitor.

Just think about it: in the future any iPhone will be powered by a future version of the M1. The iPad is already powered by the M1 and it M1 natively supports Thunderbolt and so will the iPhone. Connect the iPhone to a Thunderbolt dock that is connected to a monitor, keyboard, printer, etc. and there you have it. The iPhone has enough storage to boot into macOS and function just like a regular Mac and the chip support is probably already there, the only thing that prevents it from happening is Apple. For that to happen, the iPad has to become a tablet / macOS hybrid device first, but that hasn't started either.

To me, an iPhone becoming a full blown computer would be the next big thing since the introduction of the iPhone. One device for all my computing needs, mobile or desktop. I would happily pay the price of an iPhone and Macbook combined if such an iPhone existed. Too bad Apple doesn't seem the opportunity. Microsoft can't match this with Windows and their ecosystem since they are in bed with x86-64 chips, that would never work on mobile, they are now in bed with Google for Android on mobile phones. Apple can have their whole ecosystem with apps and everything on 1 device only and they would be the only option on the market, they could just own this market segment without any competition.

I wouldn't say no to this. 👍 Just afraid it's too much to ask for. Then again, I don't think that a regular user demands as much. Advanced iOS would also work. 🙂

 

[DrCC]

True, not for the regular iPhone user. But they could make an iPhone Pro or iPhone business edition that could do that. Tech people would be all over it.

By the same analogy, going online on a mobile device was not for the regular user in the early days. You needed a computer to go online and mobile phones only had primitive WAP internet browsers. But then the iPhone changed that and now mobile devices became the primary devices to access the internet, they surpassed desktops/laptops. I just don't see why we have to stick to desktops / laptops for doing work on a big screen when the mobile devices can easily do that now. The only limitation now is the software and it is a bit artificial; if the hardware can do it, the software can be built on top.

Microsoft is trying to bridge the tablet / desktop with the Surface. I have personally used a Surface for many years and it is an excellent desktop replacement when connected to a big screen, but the Windows tablet experience is poor. Even if the Surface could become a good tablet with a future version of Windows, Microsoft would be totally stuck to extend it to a mobile phone. Windows Phone is dead and they rely on Android for phones, they could never build an all in one phone like device. Apple literally can have the whole market if they choose to pursue this idea and Microsoft and Google wouldn't be able to do anything about it. The best Microsoft can do is to push Windows VM in the cloud over an Android phone, but if you don't have an internet connection, it won't work.

 

[4419867]

True, not for the regular iPhone user. But they could make an iPhone Pro or iPhone business edition that could do that. Tech people would be all over it.

Yes, offering an entry level and pro level sounds reasonable. Just like with computers today. Not everyone really needs a MacBook Pro 14/16 but can do more than well with a MacBook Air (or iPad/Pro).

I mean it's easier to offer something to regular users now while more advanced users may have to wait a bit. I see that people can already do things with their iPhone, only that they are limited to their device. Unfortunately, the same applies to the iPad, it also needs a real boost when it comes to connecting to external devices. Things you take for granted with a MacBook.

 

[4419867]

But first, USB-C. 😉

 

[Jsheeeeeehan]

I get your concept, I think that would be an awesome development for the iPhone. I have always been impressed with Samsung Dex. Shame Apple will never consider it though. I’m guessing it would affect their Mac sales too much. 😔

 

[Unregistered 4U]

This exists now if the developer puts in the work. I can connect a mouse and keyboard to the iPhone since iOS 13. Then, using Airplay or connecting a physical cable, it’s possible for the application to display separate content (not mirrored) at monitor resolution.

It WOULD be cool if more developers utilized this feature, though.

 

[Andeddu]

I would oppose having desktop mode on future iPhones because it would result in larger firmware patches and more space eaten up with utilities that are useless for 99% of the masses. If Apple released a separate business class iPhone with full macOS functionality in desktop mode, it wouldn’t affect me or other users so I would be onboard.

 

[eyoungren]

Not sure what you're talking about. Desktop mode isn't something you have on the iPhone display itself, but something that you could get when you connect it to an external monitor/TV. Just like Samsung DeX, Ready For by Motorola etc.

A few iOS web browsers offer what is called Desktop Mode. It tells the browser to use a desktop computer user agent so that the websites you view would be what you see using a desktop computer - not a mobile version.

So, in my mind, I interpreted your comment about 'Desktop mode' to be using the iPhone/device in a similar fashion but on the device itself.

Now that others have posted about connecting it to other things to essentially make it a computer replacement, I understand what you originally meant.

 

[4419867]

I would oppose having desktop mode on future iPhones because it would result in larger firmware patches and more space eaten up with utilities that are useless for 99% of the masses. If Apple released a separate business class iPhone with full macOS functionality in desktop mode, it wouldn’t affect me or other users so I would be onboard.

I don't think the masses even need macOS but just a more advanced iOS.

Space is no bigger problem than on a computer. If the phone becomes your computer, you expect similar space on the phone. Apple offers 256 GB on the base models (MacBook Air/Pro 13), which is also available on phones and more. So I don't see the problem there. Space and RAM adapt over time. In addition, you have more money to spend on storage as you only need to buy one device.

 

[Mark Stone]

In the poll I voted “no”. In my application of devices, my iPhone is more useful than an Android; my iPad is far superior to an Android tablet; but my Windows 11 PC works (for my purposes) better than a Mac would. I wouldn’t be interested in a desktop mode on my iPhone, although I think the A15 is quite capable.

 

[4419867]

In the poll I voted “no”. In my application of devices, my iPhone is more useful than an Android; my iPad is far superior to an Android tablet; but my Windows 11 PC works (for my purposes) better than a Mac would. I wouldn’t be interested in a desktop mode on my iPhone, although I think the A15 is quite capable.

Not everybody want to spend money on several devices if one device can do it all for them.

 

[eyoungren]

Not everybody want to spend money on several devices if one device can do it all for them.

You represent a certain segment of users/customers out there that prefer to have their device be an all-in-one that does everything. Phone, media, computer, etc. I don't have a problem with that. And I don't have a problem with Apple offering devices that will do this.

What I DO have a problem with is this preference becoming the norm. I am not prepared to give up my multitude of computers, attached monitors and devices and my customized setups because the new paradigm is to use one device and one device only.

Right now that is not the case. But I know Apple has this thought. I've already been asked by an Apple Genius once if I'd ever consider using an iPad as a replacement for a computer. I'm all for the advancement of technology but I want to use it my way - not how somebody else thinks I should. And Apple has a bad habit of thinking it knows what's best for me.

 

[Mark Stone]

Not everybody want to spend money on several devices if one device can do it all for them.

True, but many do use several devices. It’s up to individual preference.

 

[jav6454]

Not everybody want to spend money on several devices if one device can do it all for them.

Then you need the correct device. The iPhone is not that device. The name says it all, it's a phone. Go buy a laptop if you need desktop class computing.

 

[4419867]

You represent a certain segment of users/customers out there that prefer to have their device be an all-in-one that does everything. Phone, media, computer, etc. I don't have a problem with that. And I don't have a problem with Apple offering devices that will do this.

What I DO have a problem with is this preference becoming the norm. I am not prepared to give up my multitude of computers, attached monitors and devices and my customized setups because the new paradigm is to use one device and one device only.

Right now that is not the case. But I know Apple has this thought. I've already been asked by an Apple Genius once if I'd ever consider using an iPad as a replacement for a computer. I'm all for the advancement of technology but I want to use it my way - not how somebody else thinks I should. And Apple has a bad habit of thinking it knows what's best for me.

Like you, I don't mind that other devices still exist. I understand what you mean by Apple thinking they know what's best for everyone...

I think many would be happy with a device that does everything, but depending on what you do with your device today, there must always be room for more advanced users.

I don't want to take away any choices, but I want simpler users to be given better opportunities. Especially when phones today are so powerful (and expensive) and they are only going to get more powerful. They have more power than many computers, why not take advantage of this?

True, but many do use several devices. It’s up to individual preference.

This is because it's not so developed yet and there is nothing from Apple either. There are already people using Samsung DeX in front of a laptop.

Then you need the correct device. The iPhone is not that device. The name says it all, it's a phone. Go buy a laptop if you need desktop class computing.

That's just narrow-minded. Phones are anything but phones today. They are handheld computers. There are already companies trying to make them more versatile (Samsung DeX, Ready For by Motorola, Microsoft tried Continuum, etc.).

Laptops don't have a higher standard than phones. Many phones are better than many laptops. Plus, a phone can do so much more. It's easier to replace a laptop with a phone than the other way around. A laptop has a bad camera (and only 1), doesn't fit in the pocket, can't make calls, etc.

Of course, there are those who need a very powerful computer (or prefer something else). This doesn't mean that for a large majority, a phone would be all they need. They could give up both traditional computer, camera, etc.

I absolutely believe that this is the future. Just comical to read how many don't already see the potential in it. You don't have to get rid of anything and even for simple users the transition can take time (or it goes faster than you think).