Ok everyone’s been thinking about it. Now it’s time to put up or shut up.
Why do you need MacOS on a tablet ?
Why do you need MacOS on a tablet ?
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iPad Pro Name One reason you need MacOS on a tablet ?
- Thread starter TheRealAlex
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HouseLannister
macrumors 68040
I'll be the devil's advocate and say I prefer iPadOS. But I want iPadOS on my Mac. MacBooks have better keyboard with better angle adjustments.
I'd just like the Finder and Disk Utility on iPad. That would be good enough for me.
Apple_Robert
Contributor
It is simply a matter of tactile preference for some people. It is an opinion some have on here. It doesn't make them wrong.
Why does anyone need to justify a personal presence to you, OP?
Why does anyone need to justify a personal presence to you, OP?
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jclardy
macrumors 601
Terminal to run claude code, git, better file management, and basically everything else. Running Xcode, running VS code (without having to connect to a linux server to do so.)
There is basically no reason the iPad shouldn't be the best computer, other than Apple artificially holding it back.
I bought a MacBook Neo and it is great, but my 13" M4 iPad Pro has double the ram (I have a 1tb model) an incredible display (better than every other device I own), a much faster processor and the ideal portable form factor...but it is just artificially limited because Apple doesn't want to put macOS on it.
There is basically no reason the iPad shouldn't be the best computer, other than Apple artificially holding it back.
I bought a MacBook Neo and it is great, but my 13" M4 iPad Pro has double the ram (I have a 1tb model) an incredible display (better than every other device I own), a much faster processor and the ideal portable form factor...but it is just artificially limited because Apple doesn't want to put macOS on it.
FreakinEurekan
macrumors G3
macOS apps that are not available for iPad. There are several I use that are not overly "Complex" but for whatever reason - the devs only offer it in macOS, not iPad.
Agree with the others. iPad is fine and would be better if iPadOS was really a peer with macOS. I create documents on my Mac and then want to edit them on the iPad when traveling. Basically this works well, but there are things missing from the iPad that are on the Mac. A big one is fonts. Why can’t we install and manage fonts on the iPad like on the Mac?
One Mac app I’d like on my iPad is Graphic Converter.
One Mac app I’d like on my iPad is Graphic Converter.
Euroamerican
macrumors 6502a
A "Finder" solution...... for when I want to manage large numbers of files...... but I know I'm supposed to do that back on my Mac.........
FaceID, OLED, Torrents, full fledged apps and max portability without having to transition to another device.
It’s always something
macrumors 6502a
Unami
macrumors 68000
A proper file management app, using universal third party plugins in apps like Logic, much faster workflow when you really need to do something, no aggressive killing of background tasks, apps that are not available on the ipad (e.g. a browser that supports web-midi, after effects, ableton, full final cut (with 3rd party plugins) & Logic, cinema4d, .... ).
I've been on and off trying to use an ipad as a laptop-replacement since 2010, but it always comes down to workflows taking much longer on the ipad, either because of Apple's built in limitations or because of non-existing software or a dumbed down version that has lost half of it's functionality and is not 100% compatible with it's desktop version. (e.g., when you want to open a Logic project that has an "external" midi track, it just doesn't open on the ipad, without any way to correct this except opening the project on one's - usually in that moment not available - laptop and deleting that track).
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
I don't need it, don't want it. I also don't want macos to be changed in such that it alters my QOL on my Mac.
Same here. If Apple wants to provide it as an option, fine. But don't increase the price of the iPad for those who don't want it.
It’s always something
macrumors 6502a
The only time this ever comes to mind is when I see it on the forums here.
To bring only one device when I travel. To be clear, nobody other than an insignificant minority, would like MacOS to replace iPadOS, those who would like MacOS would like it as an addition, and the only reasonable way to have it is via virtualization. Which was possible until Apple removed hypervisor from iPadOS (I still have a 16GB RAM iPad running Windows virtualized as a champ on iPadOS 15). Apple does not want it and it will very likely never happen.
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I dont need MacOS on a tablet, I would prefer full tablet app store support on a touchscreen MacBook Pro that is specifically designed and marketed in the 2-in-1 space. This would allow for greater continuity between mobile and desktop. There's a natural amount of distaste for the competing platform (Windows/Surface) which I get given we are here on an Apple centric website but there's no denying that there is a market for such a device since the 2-in-1 laptop market share is not insignificant. If anyone can dominate that market it's Apple given the fact that they have the tablet App Store strength and Microsoft does not. And yes yes, cannibalism yada yada... I am not holding my breath for a 2-in-1 MacBook anytime soon.
BenGoren
macrumors 6502a
To a first approximation, a 13” MacBook Air and a 13” iPad with keyboard+trackpad are the same form factor. And I often use them interchangeably for “normal” uses — the usual email / notes / Safari / etc.
But … there’re absolutely times where I only want to take one device, not two, and would nominally prefer the iPad (such as for pencil-based note-taking or using it as a reader tablet without the keyboard) but wind up getting stuck with both because there’s _something_ on the list that has to get done that can only happen on the Mac.
Basically, if I can _only_ have one, it has to be the Mac because it can technically do anything I _need_ to do. But there’re lots of things that the iPad does better … and, honestly, I can’t think of anything in terms of form factor that the Mac does better than the iPad; it’s just the OS.
Now, granted, that calculus can change pretty quickly once you move to bigger (physically and computationally) Macs. But there really is a substantial overlap … and when it’s “only” the software layer as the distinguishing factor, it feels arbitrarily and unnecessarily restrictive.
b&
But … there’re absolutely times where I only want to take one device, not two, and would nominally prefer the iPad (such as for pencil-based note-taking or using it as a reader tablet without the keyboard) but wind up getting stuck with both because there’s _something_ on the list that has to get done that can only happen on the Mac.
Basically, if I can _only_ have one, it has to be the Mac because it can technically do anything I _need_ to do. But there’re lots of things that the iPad does better … and, honestly, I can’t think of anything in terms of form factor that the Mac does better than the iPad; it’s just the OS.
Now, granted, that calculus can change pretty quickly once you move to bigger (physically and computationally) Macs. But there really is a substantial overlap … and when it’s “only” the software layer as the distinguishing factor, it feels arbitrarily and unnecessarily restrictive.
b&
Juicy Box
macrumors 604
I don't need MacOS on a tablet, I think the iPad's OS is fine. I do think it would be cool to be able to plug your iPad or iPhone into a USB or TB dock with the requirement of a keyboard, mouse, and external monitor, and have the device then become a Mac.
But, keep the OS separate, when handheld, it should be like it is now.
Do you mean an iPadOS as like an app on the Mac? Or make the MacOS like iPadOS?
I think that MacOS has gotten way too much like iOS over the years, basically limiting and removing features/functionality to have the appearance of the handhelds. Beyond being able to use iPad and iPhone apps on the Mac, I really hope that MacOS doesn't change anymore like iPad or iPhones than it already has.
macOS Apps not available for iPadOS including Finder, Hazel, MoneyMoney, etc... and iPadOS is still far behind macOS.
snipr125
macrumors 68030
No just keep developing iPad OS like they have with ipad os 26, its great as it is better than mac os in some ways actually. Mac Apps would be nice but not essential.
Main reason some people want Mac os on an M ipad is because it has all the hardware to run it, but forget one is touch based and the other is mouse/keyboard based.
Main reason some people want Mac os on an M ipad is because it has all the hardware to run it, but forget one is touch based and the other is mouse/keyboard based.
dmr727
macrumors G4
For me it's the ability to side-load. I love retro gaming, for example. Apple has gotten better at allowing emulators in the App Store, but there's still a bunch of things I can't get for the iPad. Crossover would be great, too.
I guess none of that actually requires MacOS, just Apple to lower the restrictions on the iPad side (which I know will never happen).
I guess none of that actually requires MacOS, just Apple to lower the restrictions on the iPad side (which I know will never happen).
throAU
macrumors G4
I don’t need or want macOS on the ipad, but ffs apple can we please have
1. proper window resizing/moving. 26 is better, but why is it “weird”. its arbitrarily weird for no good reason
2. cmd+q actually close an app
3. less keyboard bugs inside of apps; e.g., if i have a physical keyboard attached, apps should NOT pop up software keyboard controls and input boxes SHOULD use my physical keyboard
4. Figure out where you’re going to put the window traffic lights. Up in the middle of the screen only when the app is maximised is not consistent. in keyboard/windowing mode put them in the top left of the window where they belong at ALL times, not just when they aren’t maximised. Yes, you might need to move the clock.
This is what i’m talking about:
vs
YES it may involve putting a window frame on the top of the WINDOW so it doesn’t conflict with existing UI widgets inside of the app (as per the mangled overlayed control crap in the pic above in the top left of the browser)
I don’t want macOS on the iPad, but I do think the iPad‘s software still has a long ways to go.
Truth is, as much as I would love to just carry around my 11 inch iPad Pro, running macOS on it would be an absolutely awful experience under the majority of circumstances. It would decrease the battery life, meaning that it’s less useful for traveling. It would increase the thermal load on the tiny “thin as three stacked credit cards” iPad. It would require a keyboard and trackpad, meaning bye-bye thin and light iPad, hello cumbersome laptop like thing.
Consider the fact that the Magic Keyboard already makes the iPad thicker and heavier than a MacBook Air or basically the same in the case of the 11 inch, plus it is so top heavy that it’s basically impossible to use it in a car or on your lap or any place that isn’t a table.
The real thing I want is a redesigned ultra thin ultralight MacBook Air with a touchscreen, which is very likely to happen in 2028 when it gains an OLED display. At that point, they’re literally is no reason to have an iPad as an attempt at a laptop replacement, you either have an iPad because you like or need an iPad, or you have a laptop because you like and need a laptop, or you have both. Toss in a folding iPhone in the mix and it becomes even clearer.
The point is, the iPad is not supposed to be a laptop replacement. Even with the magic keyboard, it’s not supposed to be a laptop replacement. It *can* be under specific circumstances, but it’s pretty clear that it’s meant to be a tablet first and foremost, and that the magic keyboard is basically an optional add-on for occasional use, it’s not meant to be the permanent attachment people keep trying to turn it into.
I feel like this entire idea of the iPad being a laptop replacement is something that made a lot more sense 10 years ago when the iPad was making absolute leaps and bounds in efficiency and power and Apple’s entire Mac line was slow, bloated and clunky. Now that the Mac is ahead in most of these categories, the entire idea that laptops are on the way out has kind of been disregarded.
Truth is, as much as I would love to just carry around my 11 inch iPad Pro, running macOS on it would be an absolutely awful experience under the majority of circumstances. It would decrease the battery life, meaning that it’s less useful for traveling. It would increase the thermal load on the tiny “thin as three stacked credit cards” iPad. It would require a keyboard and trackpad, meaning bye-bye thin and light iPad, hello cumbersome laptop like thing.
Consider the fact that the Magic Keyboard already makes the iPad thicker and heavier than a MacBook Air or basically the same in the case of the 11 inch, plus it is so top heavy that it’s basically impossible to use it in a car or on your lap or any place that isn’t a table.
The real thing I want is a redesigned ultra thin ultralight MacBook Air with a touchscreen, which is very likely to happen in 2028 when it gains an OLED display. At that point, they’re literally is no reason to have an iPad as an attempt at a laptop replacement, you either have an iPad because you like or need an iPad, or you have a laptop because you like and need a laptop, or you have both. Toss in a folding iPhone in the mix and it becomes even clearer.
The point is, the iPad is not supposed to be a laptop replacement. Even with the magic keyboard, it’s not supposed to be a laptop replacement. It *can* be under specific circumstances, but it’s pretty clear that it’s meant to be a tablet first and foremost, and that the magic keyboard is basically an optional add-on for occasional use, it’s not meant to be the permanent attachment people keep trying to turn it into.
I feel like this entire idea of the iPad being a laptop replacement is something that made a lot more sense 10 years ago when the iPad was making absolute leaps and bounds in efficiency and power and Apple’s entire Mac line was slow, bloated and clunky. Now that the Mac is ahead in most of these categories, the entire idea that laptops are on the way out has kind of been disregarded.
Ludatyk
macrumors 604
Who's doing this? Because I never came across anyone doing that. From what I gather through out social media (even from the Federicos or Chris Lawley of the world, throw in Fernando of 9to5Mac or TechDad)... most iPad power users use their iPad as both a laptop and tablet.
I always found that having a Mac/PC is best use stationary docked to my desk (attached with monitors)... whereas when I'm on-the-go, grab the iPad because of the versatility. Since there's no option to use the MacBook as both a laptop and tablet... we are stuck with the laptop format.
I understand your point... but as I mentioned above the iPad being flexible to become a laptop and tablet is a great advantage for many iPad users.
Performa460
macrumors member
Better file management system; better control over window placement and running multiple apps. I also need my computer to reassure me that it was okay to remove storage drives. I know it's supposedly unnecessary to "eject" components before removing them from iPads, but old habits die hard.