iOS 16 iPad - Stage Manager

[symphony]

Wrong post!

 

[roguefury]

Real world use-case that I’m trying to figure out, and will determine whether I upgrade my iPad:

Can I run Stage Manager with an external display, wireless keyboard, and wireless trackpad…and take notes in Apple Notes (or OneNote) with the Apple Pencil…while the ipad lays flat?

I understand the need to hardwire to a screen, but for me, this scenario would truly be amazing.

Since I don’t have an M1 iPadPro, can someone test the beta to see if this is possible?

Thanks!!!!

 

[Macalway]

Obviously I understand that Stage Manager on an external display requires a mouse and keyboard, because you can‘t touch an external monitor.

That‘s why I brought it up. To make the point that since a mouse/keyboard is a requirement for it work on an external monitor, why not offer some subtle tweaks in the UI that improve the experience of using a cursor? As opposed to mimicking finger touch controls on an external screen that doesn’t have touch controls?

If I’m going to hook up a monitor, mouse and keyboard, (which again, is required) I’m obviously sitting at a desk. I’m not saying they should scrap it and go back to the drawing board, just a couple tweaks that recognize I’m not using my finger to control this device any longer.

But as we both have gone back and forth on before, it’s only the 3rd beta. They’re obviously going to tweak it and make improvements. We still have what, 3 or 4 more betas before GM?

That's logical. Does the way it is now facilitate in any way NOT having a mouse and keyboard, and only using touch on the main display? Is that even possible? I know this sounds confusing,

 

[Ludatyk]

Can I run Stage Manager with an external display, wireless keyboard, and wireless trackpad…and take notes in Apple Notes (or OneNote) with the Apple Pencil…while the ipad lays flat?

Yes, this is possible. My iPad doesn’t lay flat, but I keep it docked on an arm and use the Apple Pencil whenever I want.

The only draw back with using wireless peripherals is disconnection (bluetooth time-out) and when that happens I get kicked out of Stage Manager on an external display.

 

[roguefury]

Yes, this is possible. My iPad doesn’t lay flat, but I keep it docked on an arm and use the Apple Pencil whenever I want.

The only draw back with using wireless peripherals is disconnection (bluetooth time-out) and when that happens I get kicked out of Stage Manager on an external display.

Awesome, thanks!

 

[Jedimindtrick]

I understand your perspective, but the iPad itself works with mouse/keyboard and the UI isn’t tweaked to improve on that experience. You would think.. as soon as I attach the Magic Keyboard on my iPad that UI will change.

But I think Apple wants a cohesive and consistent experience across Stage Manager on the iPad and on an external display. And yeah, Apple will make tweaks and improvements, but I highly doubt they will make UI changes based on when a user is using an external display.

That's logical. Does the way it is now facilitate in any way NOT having a mouse and keyboard, and only using touch on the main display? Is that even possible? I know this sounds confusing,

If you’re asking does stage manager work on an external display without a mouse and keyboard - no it does not. Stage manager wont even turn on. If you have stage manager turned on, as soon as I connect my mouse and keyboard, the external monitor goes from mirroring the iPad into stage manager.

Currently, when connecting an iPad Pro/Air to an external monitor without a mouse and keyboard, it mirrors the iPad display, with the black borders on the sides. It looks exactly how it has always looked when connecting an external display.

 

[SoYoung]

After use it for a couple of days I definitively don't like it. Its artificially multi-tasking but in reality you're as limited as before. The media sound will still stop when another media source is played is enough for me to stop using it. Plus resizing windows is a pain and in the end, the dock just do the job. Unless you want to drag and drop very often or you like to have multiple windows open at once, its not a game changer, for me at least.

Also in some situations, windows tend to move a little when I close some apps and have to re-arrange them. Oh and I think its also more cluttered when you want to just close an app and always have to press on the 3 dots and then close it. Also when you turn off Stage manager, all your previous spaces are now arranged in split views, not very intuitive.

So in short, I'm not impressed and I don't really like it.

 

[DaSal]

After use it for a couple of days I definitively don't like it. Its artificially multi-tasking but in reality you're as limited as before. The media sound will still stop when another media source is played is enough for me to stop using it. Plus resizing windows is a pain and in the end, the dock just do the job. Unless you want to drag and drop very often or you like to have multiple windows open at once, its not a game changer, for me at least.

Also in some situations, windows tend to move a little when I close some apps and have to re-arrange them. Oh and I think its also more cluttered when you want to just close an app and always have to press on the 3 dots and then close it. Also when you turn off Stage manager, all your previous spaces are now arranged in split views, not very intuitive.

So in short, I'm not impressed and I don't really like it.

That’s because split view (with slide over) actually is about the only way you can do multitasking on a tablet that makes sense. I know people don’t like it and want Windows, but it just doesn’t make sense on a tablet. Arguably it also isn’t great on smaller laptops either: practically speaking you get more screen real estate on an iPad with split screen + slide over than you would on a 14” MacBook with three floating apps: between the task bar and the dock and the space between windows there’s just so much wasted space for an actually pretty small screen.

Stage Manager has all the same issues: small screen, huge dock, wasted space between apps AND it adds in the side bar which wastes even more space. Which means that you actually only get to use like 70% or so of the screen for actual apps. That’s a huge loss of screen real estate.

It just doesn’t make sense, unless you have a much larger tablet like 16” AND they reduce the amount of space that’s wasted by the sidebar and the dock.

It also makes a lot of sense when using it with a larger external monitor. The extra clicks are a shame: they should introduce close/minimize buttons to windows on an external display.

Everyone’s applauding Apple for listening to consumers more and giving people what they want. They shouldn’t: most people aren’t world class hardware and software engineers, they don’t actually know how to design products that work the best for the most amount of people. Apple should go back to how they used to be and design products based on how they should work, and not give in to people whining for features that make no sense.

 

[stocklen]

That’s because split view (with slide over) actually is about the only way you can do multitasking on a tablet that makes sense. I know people don’t like it and want Windows, but it just doesn’t make sense on a tablet. Arguably it also isn’t great on smaller laptops either: practically speaking you get more screen real estate on an iPad with split screen + slide over than you would on a 14” MacBook with three floating apps: between the task bar and the dock and the space between windows there’s just so much wasted space for an actually pretty small screen.

Stage Manager has all the same issues: small screen, huge dock, wasted space between apps AND it adds in the side bar which wastes even more space. Which means that you actually only get to use like 70% or so of the screen for actual apps. That’s a huge loss of screen real estate.

It just doesn’t make sense, unless you have a much larger tablet like 16” AND they reduce the amount of space that’s wasted by the sidebar and the dock.

It also makes a lot of sense when using it with a larger external monitor. The extra clicks are a shame: they should introduce close/minimize buttons to windows on an external display.

Everyone’s applauding Apple for listening to consumers more and giving people what they want. They shouldn’t: most people aren’t world class hardware and software engineers, they don’t actually know how to design products that work the best for the most amount of people. Apple should go back to how they used to be and design products based on how they should work, and not give in to people whining for features that make no sense.

The voice of reason.....

I personally dont get those screaming for windows on a touch first tablet. It doesnt work. Its fiddly.... and the tablet is aimed at different users than the laptops.

OK so lets say, once again... as it seems to need repeating... that Stage Manage is in BETA - and developer beta at that - it doesn't yet deserve such scrutiny as its going to be changed before its made public.

Secondly, I believe too that this is a reasonable compromise that Apple have made for some kind of desktop style windowed environment that actually makes sense in the iOS environment.
Also, this really comes into its own when connecting an external monitor and the experience it gives is way superior to the old screen mirroring pre iOS16.

Again, I know this seems to be an unpopular opinion but if you want a windowed environment then the perfect machines are already out there running MacOS... a windowed OS. iPadOS is not that.

 

[SoYoung]

That’s because split view (with slide over) actually is about the only way you can do multitasking on a tablet that makes sense. I know people don’t like it and want Windows, but it just doesn’t make sense on a tablet. Arguably it also isn’t great on smaller laptops either: practically speaking you get more screen real estate on an iPad with split screen + slide over than you would on a 14” MacBook with three floating apps: between the task bar and the dock and the space between windows there’s just so much wasted space for an actually pretty small screen.

Stage Manager has all the same issues: small screen, huge dock, wasted space between apps AND it adds in the side bar which wastes even more space. Which means that you actually only get to use like 70% or so of the screen for actual apps. That’s a huge loss of screen real estate.

It just doesn’t make sense, unless you have a much larger tablet like 16” AND they reduce the amount of space that’s wasted by the sidebar and the dock.

It also makes a lot of sense when using it with a larger external monitor. The extra clicks are a shame: they should introduce close/minimize buttons to windows on an external display.

Everyone’s applauding Apple for listening to consumers more and giving people what they want. They shouldn’t: most people aren’t world class hardware and software engineers, they don’t actually know how to design products that work the best for the most amount of people. Apple should go back to how they used to be and design products based on how they should work, and not give in to people whining for features that make no sense.

I 100% agree with what you said. I don't see the point or the need to have windows apps on a tablet or even on a small screen. There's many wasted space and its not very intuitive for touch controls. Maybe it could be useful if you use a monitor but the fact that we can't resize or move windows the way we want only accept a set numbers of position or size makes this feature even less useful.

I also agree that split view and slide over is way better for multitasking on a tablet. I don't see how windowed apps can really make a difference for multi-tasking efficiency. I think stage manager is a little "gimmicky" on the iPad. An attempt to please the niche crowd trying to absolutely want their iPad to work as a computer when its not.

For what I tried, the experience is still way better when I use the iPad like before with stage manager off. The fact that the new monitor support is only working with dual screen when the iPad is also open is not the way a true hybrid between tablet and computer should be. A simple true monitor support that could be used when the screen of the iPad itself are off could be way more useful for the majority of people who just want to use their iPad on a monitor in some situations.

 

[stocklen]

I 100% agree with what you said. I don't see the point or the need to have windows apps on a tablet or even on a small screen. There's many wasted space and its not very intuitive for touch controls. Maybe it could be useful if you use a monitor but the fact that we can't resize or move windows the way we want only accept a set numbers of position or size makes this feature even less useful.

I also agree that split view and slide over is way better for multitasking on a tablet. I don't see how windowed apps can really make a difference for multi-tasking efficiency. I think stage manager is a little "gimmicky" on the iPad. An attempt to please the niche crowd trying to absolutely want their iPad to work as a computer when its not.

For what I tried, the experience is still way better when I use the iPad like before with stage manager off. The fact that the new monitor support is only working with dual screen when the iPad is also open is not the way a true hybrid between tablet and computer should be. A simple true monitor support that could be used when the screen of the iPad itself are off could be way more useful for the majority of people who just want to use their iPad on a monitor in some situations.

... for all these reasons...

... I believe that stage manager only really exists to facilitate some kind of useful external monitor support.

It appears that using it alone, seems to give little functional advantage over the existing multitasking paradigm.

The fact that it only works with an external screen when there is a keyboard and mouse present speaks volumes.

Dont get me wrong... I think its a very important step and external monitor support are very useful - but the choice still remains to use the old way (and in fact not at all on non M1 iPads)

 

[Ludatyk]

After use it for a couple of days I definitively don't like it. Its artificially multi-tasking but in reality you're as limited as before. The media sound will still stop when another media source is played is enough for me to stop using it. Plus resizing windows is a pain and in the end, the dock just do the job. Unless you want to drag and drop very often or you like to have multiple windows open at once, its not a game changer, for me at least.

And that’s perfectly okay. I think you might be more of a Mac user than an iPad one.

That’s because split view (with slide over) actually is about the only way you can do multitasking on a tablet that makes sense. I know people don’t like it and want Windows, but it just doesn’t make sense on a tablet. Arguably it also isn’t great on smaller laptops either: practically speaking you get more screen real estate on an iPad with split screen + slide over than you would on a 14” MacBook with three floating apps: between the task bar and the dock and the space between windows there’s just so much wasted space for an actually pretty small screen.

If using the previous way of multitasking makes sense for you.. then it’s there for you. However, if users want resizable windows on screen.. then it’s available for them. Apple hasn’t abandon SlitView or SlideOver.

Stage Manager has all the same issues: small screen, huge dock, wasted space between apps AND it adds in the side bar which wastes even more space. Which means that you actually only get to use like 70% or so of the screen for actual apps. That’s a huge loss of screen real estate.

You can remove the side bar and dock if you need more screen real estate.

It also makes a lot of sense when using it with a larger external monitor. The extra clicks are a shame: they should introduce close/minimize buttons to windows on an external display.

You have the option to close AND minimize windows now on this beta, before it wasn’t available.

Everyone’s applauding Apple for listening to consumers more and giving people what they want. They shouldn’t: most people aren’t world class hardware and software engineers, they don’t actually know how to design products that work the best for the most amount of people. Apple should go back to how they used to be and design products based on how they should work, and not give in to people whining for features that make no sense.

Not sure what this has to do with anything. And it might not make sense for you, but to assume you know how everyone should respond doesn’t make sense. You certainly don’t speak for me and I like the feature.. you can disable Stage Manager if t’s not for you.

The fact that it only works with an external screen when there is a keyboard and mouse present speaks volumes.

Huh? How else are you going to interact with Stage Manager on an external screen?

 

[stocklen]

And that’s perfectly okay. I think you might be more of a Mac user than an iPad one.


If using the previous way of multitasking makes sense for you.. then it’s there for you. However, if users want resizable windows on screen.. then it’s available for them. Apple hasn’t abandon SlitView or SlideOver.


You can remove the side bar and dock if you need more screen real estate.


You have the option to close AND minimize windows now on this beta, before it wasn’t available.


Not sure what this has to do with anything. And it might not make sense for you, but to assume you know how everyone should respond doesn’t make sense. You certainly don’t speak for me and I like the feature.. you can disable Stage Manager if t’s not for you.


Huh? How else are you going to interact with Stage Manager on an external screen?

exactly thats what i said. They now provide a realistic external display use-mode (i.e. stage manager) which necessitates a keyboard and mouse to function - so therefore if you are going to plug in an external monitor its not a touch interface so whatever 'desktop paradigm' they use will be designed for a keyboard and mouse.

 

[Ludatyk]

exactly thats what i said. They now provide a realistic external display use-mode (i.e. stage manager) which necessitates a keyboard and mouse to function - so therefore if you are going to plug in an external monitor its not a touch interface so whatever 'desktop paradigm' they use will be designed for a keyboard and mouse.

I think @Jedimindtrick brought up the same point.

And I highly doubt Apple will change the UI based solely on keyboard and mouse functionality. There's Stage Manager on the iPad itself and the UI isn't changed. iPad is a touch first OS and everything is built with that in mind. Only changes made for the external display is the ability to add more windows.

I think the reason why there's a requirement for keyboard and mouse on external display is to help the user with navigation. Now, I do agree more work will be done with mouse functionality (bringing over settings similar to macOS) .... but I doubt that will be solely designed for external display.

 

[stocklen]

I think @Jedimindtrick brought up the same point.

And I highly doubt Apple will change the UI based solely on keyboard and mouse functionality. There's Stage Manager on the iPad itself and the UI isn't changed. iPad is a touch first OS and everything is built with that in mind. Only changes made for the external display is the ability to add more windows.

I think the reason why there's a requirement for keyboard and mouse on external display is to help the user with navigation. Now, I do agree more work will be done with mouse functionality (bringing over settings similar to macOS) .... but I doubt that will be solely designed for external display.

it is... its far more simple that that.

Plug in an external display and it is no longer is a mirror of the iPad screen, but an extension of it (M1 iPad only sadly).

A mirror... continue to operate the iPad directly via touch.
An extension.... touch is no longer possible to manipulate the content of the screen of course so therefore keyboard and mouse needed.
As others have said - without a keyboard and mouse attached if you plug in an external monitor it simply mirrors again as before (a bit useless really).


I actually think this is really interesting. The iPad with M1 is more than powerful enough to be a computer in its own right... and the idea of carrying it around with you in iPad mode.... and then being able to dock it to an external display on a desktop and getting a more desktop-like environment is a great idea. I always assumed this is where the iPhone would eventually end up... and computing as a whole. One day the iPhone will be seen as powerful enough to be your entire computing device... and when you return to your desk you plug it into an external monitor and get a full on desktop experience via the phone (yes I know Samsung has done this before too).
Thats the future... and stage manager seems to be the first step in that direction.

 

[DaSal]

And that’s perfectly okay. I think you might be more of a Mac user than an iPad one.


If using the previous way of multitasking makes sense for you.. then it’s there for you. However, if users want resizable windows on screen.. then it’s available for them. Apple hasn’t abandon SlitView or SlideOver.


You can remove the side bar and dock if you need more screen real estate.


You have the option to close AND minimize windows now on this beta, before it wasn’t available.


Not sure what this has to do with anything. And it might not make sense for you, but to assume you know how everyone should respond doesn’t make sense. You certainly don’t speak for me and I like the feature.. you can disable Stage Manager if t’s not for you.


Huh? How else are you going to interact with Stage Manager on an external screen?

It’s great you can hide the side bar and the dock, that’s definitely useful. When referring to closing and minimizing, I’m aware that it’s possible I simply meant that on the external display it should have traditional buttons for it on the edge of the window, instead of putting it in a menu - the menu makes sense for touch (sort of) but not for external displays. Since stage manager is made primarily for keyboard and trackpad/mouse it actually might make more sense for those windows to always have minimize/close buttons even on the iPad, if a magic keyboard is attached.

That aside I never claimed that I speak for you or how people should respond: I claimed that Apple would be better off (in my opinion) to go back to their old method, which was designing products and user interfaces that were made by engineers to be as optimized as possible for as many people as possible, instead of letting customer requests drive the design process.

If you disagree that fine, but there’s a good reason why - after strong demand for multitasking on the iPad for YEARS - the reaction to stage manager is very negative. Just look on YouTube: virtually everyone that covers it, hates it. Even though those are, broadly speaking, the same people who have been asking for it for years and also making videos begging Apple to make it. That just goes to show that consumers don’t make good engineers: Apple did exactly what they asked and now they hate it. Because honestly stage manager is probably about as good as Apple could make multitasking on the iPad, and also exactly what people should have expected.

 

[stocklen]

It’s great you can hide the side bar and the dock, that’s definitely useful. When referring to closing and minimizing, I’m aware that it’s possible I simply meant that on the external display it should have traditional buttons for it on the edge of the window, instead of putting it in a menu - the menu makes sense for touch (sort of) but not for external displays. Since stage manager is made primarily for keyboard and trackpad/mouse it actually might make more sense for those windows to always have minimize/close buttons even on the iPad, if a magic keyboard is attached.

That aside I never claimed that I speak for you or how people should respond: I claimed that Apple would be better off (in my opinion) to go back to their old method, which was designing products and user interfaces that were made by engineers to be as optimized as possible for as many people as possible, instead of letting customer requests drive the design process.

If you disagree that fine, but there’s a good reason why - after strong demand for multitasking on the iPad for YEARS - the reaction to stage manager is very negative. Just look on YouTube: virtually everyone that covers it, hates it. Even though those are, broadly speaking, the same people who have been asking for it for years and also making videos begging Apple to make it. That just goes to show that consumers don’t make good engineers: Apple did exactly what they asked and now they hate it. Because honestly stage manager is probably about as good as Apple could make multitasking on the iPad, and also exactly what people should have expected.

Totally agree.

Your last paragraph sums it up perfectly.

People shout about wanting "better multitasking" but what they really mean is "make it just like MacOS" and yet they forget its a totally different device aimed at a different audience. Whats the point of MacOS on an iPad when you can just go buy a MacBook Air and be done with it!

The iPad is a very appealing device to many... for whom the MacBook would not be. My elderly parents for example are more than happy to use an iPad but wouldn't be able to get their heads around MacOS at all.
Id hate for the iPad experience to be ruined by Apple listening too closely to the whining minority who should really just have bought a MacBook in the first place.

Is iPadOS multitasking necessary? YES very much so.
Is iPadOS's (iOS15) multitasking great.... no - not really - its still confusing to many especially multiple instances of the same app.
Is iPadOS16s stage manager an improvement? Well, yes and no - the jury is still out. Personally i await public release when i finally get to use it myself to form an opinion.

its a shame stage manager hasn't satisfied some - but its as good as it can be without making it macOS - and they should never do that.

 

[Ludatyk]

If you disagree that fine, but there’s a good reason why - after strong demand for multitasking on the iPad for YEARS - the reaction to stage manager is very negative. Just look on YouTube: virtually everyone that covers it, hates it. Even though those are, broadly speaking, the same people who have been asking for it for years and also making videos begging Apple to make it. That just goes to show that consumers don’t make good engineers: Apple did exactly what they asked and now they hate it. Because honestly stage manager is probably about as good as Apple could make multitasking on the iPad, and also exactly what people should have expected.

Well, the people I follow on YT... likes Stage Manager, even Federico... who is the biggest iPad advocate, doesn’t hate it. And I think most of the reaction to Stage Manager is focused on the non-M1 iPads… that sparked a lot of negative reaction.

I simply meant that on the external display it should have traditional buttons for it on the edge of the window, instead of putting it in a menu - the menu makes sense for touch (sort of) but not for external displays. Since stage manager is made primarily for keyboard and trackpad/mouse it actually might make more sense for those windows to always have minimize/close buttons even on the iPad, if a magic keyboard is attached.

Again, I don’t think Apple will change the UI based on external display support. I think keeping it the way it is… helps with consistency.

its a shame stage manager hasn't satisfied some - but its as good as it can be without making it macOS - and they should never do that.

The iPhone doesn’t satisfy all (especially me).. does that make it a failure? Stage Manager exist as a new workflow to help others complete tasks… if it’s not for you, that’s completely okay.

I, for one… enjoy using it. Having multiple windows easily accessible is a wonderful experience and being able adjust windows is awesome. Then adding external display support takes it to new levels. I‘m hoping Stage Manager evolves to having multiple audio streams available... But I like how Apple implemented it.

Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But I like the idea… Apple just needs to improve on it.

 

[Jedimindtrick]

I know people don’t like it and want Windows, but it just doesn’t make sense on a tablet.

You mean without a mouse and keyboard, which apple sells at a steep price and markets in every ad for the iPad Pro.

Touch only interface, I’d agree windows are clunky on a tablet.

 

[Jedimindtrick]

and yet they forget its a totally different device aimed at a different audience.

This is where I disagree. The iPad Pro is very much marketed as a Pro device, not a consumption device like the base iPad. Apple markets the iPP as a laptop replacement, most notably with the “What is a laptop” campaign. They very clearly suggest in that campaign that you should buy an iPad Pro over a laptop.

There are different iPads aimed at different audiences. The price difference between the base iPad and the iPad Pro - especially with Magic Keyboard and Pencil added - tells us so. Apple currently sells 5 different iPad variants. Ranging from $329 to over $3,100 fully accessorized.

 

[Jedimindtrick]

I, for one… enjoy using it. Having multiple windows easily accessible is a wonderful experience and being able adjust windows is awesome. Then adding external display support takes it to new levels. I‘m hoping Stage Manager evolves to having multiple audio streams available... But I like how Apple implemented it.

Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But I like the idea… Apple just needs to improve on it.

Even thought it’s clunky now, I agree that this is a step forward for iPad Pro users. It wasn’t long ago that mouse support was buried deep in the accessibility options. Now it’s in the main settings tab, allows gestures, and has a first party accessory. I fully expect Apple to build upon this foundation - mainly because I‘m sure internally they know it’s pretty meh right now.

 

[stocklen]

This is where I disagree. The iPad Pro is very much marketed as a Pro device, not a consumption device like the base iPad. Apple markets the iPP as a laptop replacement, most notably with the “What is a laptop” campaign. They very clearly suggest in that campaign that you should buy an iPad Pro over a laptop.

There are different iPads aimed at different audiences. The price difference between the base iPad and the iPad Pro - especially with Magic Keyboard and Pencil added - tells us so. Apple currently sells 5 different iPad variants. Ranging from $329 to over $3,100 fully accessorized.

You aren't wrong....

The iPad Pro is a strange beast.. and until the new Air was released it was very weird having the over powered M1 chip in it... but of course we now know thats destined for all but the Low end entry level models.

What is a pro. sure.... fair point - who buys it... again fair point.
BUT pro or not its still an iPAD and it shouldnt be expected to be a MacBook regardless or how 'pro' you are expecting a pro machine to be.
The iPhone pro isn't exactly light years away from the non pro is it just as the iPad Pro isn't light years ahead of the air.

What makes something pro is performance, and hardware.... BUT this is the huge criticism that Apple have had since before iOS15 - the software doesn't take advantage of the hardware - and there are gaping holes in 'pro' level apps available for iPadOS.

 

[Ludatyk]

This is where I disagree. The iPad Pro is very much marketed as a Pro device, not a consumption device like the base iPad. Apple markets the iPP as a laptop replacement, most notably with the “What is a laptop” campaign. They very clearly suggest in that campaign that you should buy an iPad Pro over a laptop.

Pro is just a moniker indicating its a premium device… it’s to separate it from other models.

And the campaign was ”What is a Computer?”… and that idea was to bring attention to the public that the iPad is capable of doing more things. Whether someone has the base or Pro model… it runs iPadOS and if user wants to edit a video or some document, it can be done on either model.

However, this is the first time Apple has decided to draw the line between iPad Pro/Air models and base iPad with the introduction of Stage Manager, External Display Support and Display Scailing.

 

[stocklen]

Pro is just a moniker indicating its a premium device… it’s to separate it from other models.

And the campaign was ”What is a Computer?”… and that idea was to bring attention to the public that the iPad is capable of doing more things. Whether someone has the base or Pro model… it runs iPadOS and if user wants to edit a video or some document, it can be done on either model.

T However, this is the first time Apple has decided to draw the line between iPad Pro/Air models and base iPad with the introduction of Stage Manager, External Display Support and Display Scailing.

And all ipads are very capable computers even the base model.
they are more than capable of complex computing tasks not just the simple ones.
to me the only whinge you hear is that they don’t have versions of some high end professional grade apps that 99% of the user base wouldn’t ever want or use anyway. Those professional grade apps already have a home on macOS devices.
For some people, the iPad is the only computing device they ever need. For others, it is a supplementary device. Both of these scenarios are valid.

 

[Jedimindtrick]

And the campaign was ”What is a Computer?”… and that idea was to bring attention to the public that the iPad is capable of doing more things.

I interpreted the ad differently. I took it as - this device will not only replace your laptop, it's MORE capable than a laptop. I just rewatched it, she's messaging friends, drawing notes, writing a report, taking pictures with the camera and adding them to her essay. It's an awesome ad. But they're clearly advertising the iPad Pro with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. It's not a base iPad advertisement.

My point is, for that cost, consumers do have a choice to make - iPad Pro + accessories vs. MacBook Pro/Air. The cost is the same, it comes down to which you prefer. And I personally find it disappointing that for me I have to own both, because even though iPad Pros house the same hardware, the software is incapable of handling everything I need it to do.

But don't get me wrong, despite my complaints about iPadOS, my iPad Pro is still my favorite piece of hardware I own. I really enjoy using it, and use for everything I possibly can. IMO the base iPad at $329 is the best "computer" dollar for dollar. I'm only expressing my frustrations that for what it cost to be all in on a M1 iPad Pro with all the accessories, I can't use it for everything. Which I think is a fair criticism.