How long till iPad OS and macOS combine into one?

[Luigis3rdcousin]

This is a hot take, i’m not super familiar with macOS, I was just helping a friend with his MacBook Neo recently, but I’ve been using an iPad/iphone for many years. And I’ve been surprised by the similarities between iPad os 26 and macOS. But IMO I feel like, iPad os really needs to venture onto the MacBook more. Just things like, installing apps, apps being in one location instead of different application folders, some folders let you uninstall them on the spot and others don’t, depending on the apps folder, you can drag them to the bar on the bottom and others you can’t.
The settings in iPad being one central location and very straight forward and simple.

I dunno I found the Mac experience really confusing compared to iPad os, but I’m also not super familiar with it to be fair. Just an observation. Is there talks of the two meshing together at some point? Because I do like swipe to reveal menu bar at the top, it’s very macOS feeling. Anyways just an interesting topic.

 

[SnowPenguin]

Some people want an iPad that runs MacOS, which I think would be a really cool product, Though I have serious doubts that Apple is ever going to make something like that.

 

[baconcat_8964]

I hope iPadOS keep being an OS without hassle. For like, users don't have to worry about drivers, admin and guest accounts, file systems.

 

[Reverend Benny]

I'm thinking we'll see a merge in iOS and iPadOS and possible a future FoldOS into one in the future.
I recon these devices will become more and more alike, prob all have stage manager-ish features etc.

 

[winxmac]

WWDC 2018 - Apple said they are not merging iOS and macOS
WWDC 2019 - Apple introduced iPadOS 13 based on iOS 13
WWDC 2026 - Apple only brushed on each platform but highlighted improvements to performance and other features