Tim Cook Insists Merging Mac and iPad Would Result in Compromises

[Ursadorable]

Windows 10 isn’t watered down.

No, it's a schizophrenic operating system that doesn't know if it's for phones, tablets or a desktop computer.

Between the tiles on the start menu, 'apps' vs the programs, multiple places where settings are stored (Settings vs Control Panel), Windows 10 doesn't know what the hell it is.

 

[Slix]

Would like to have a Mac portable that can connect to internet like the iPad.

I hope you mean LTE or cellular connectivity, and not just internet, because they've had that for a while now. macOS has had Continuity recently for instantly connecting your personal hotspot to your Mac easily too. I think that's what is meant by closing the gaps between the two platforms.

I agree with Tim here. I think having two separate devices that both do one thing really well is the way to go. I have many times where I can get something done quickly on my Apple Watch, but that doesn't mean I want to have my Mac become an Apple Watch.

 

[swingerofbirch]

I agree regarding software

BUT

when it comes to hardware, they HAVE adopted the iPhone/iPad model of gluing everything together into something that makes huge compromises. Remember PowerBooks that had hot-swappable batteries? Now to replace a battery on a MBP they have to replace the entire top case of the computer. Remember MBPs had some of the easiest to remove/replace hard drives on the market? No longer.

It's not just Apple doing this, but Lenovo still makes some laptops with user replaceable batteries, hard drives, and memory. I just really, really like Mac OS, so I wish they would make just one laptop for luddites like me. I don't care if it's clunkier.

 

[thisismyusername]

It's only a matter of time before this happens just like it was only a matter of time before Apple made a stylus.

Macs and iPads are only going to merge more and more. They'll eventually be running the same processor architecture. They'll continue to add more and more desktop like features to the iPad. They'll eventually have truly universal apps that can run on both Macs and iOS and work well with both touchscreens and keyboards/mice. They'll eventually add mouse support to iPads. It's only a matter of time before there's no reason not to just merge the two, where the only software difference is that iPads have the tablet-friendly interface showing by default.

I don't know why so many are against this. It's like they're insulted by the idea that a tablet could possibly do everything they do on their precious laptop. It's like they find the idea of being able to run xCode or Terminal on an iPad revolting.

Even Microsoft figured out how to do it. Sure, the Surface might not be perfect but there's no reason Apple couldn't get it right without watering down the experience.

 

[mi7chy]

Truth is it's more profitable to sell multiple devices rather than one unified device.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Thing is Tim, not everyone can afford everything... even though they love everything. I buy tons of Apple products but that is part of my job. Otherwise I wouldn't buy most of what I have currently. And I personally love Apple products for the most part but I'm also probably one their harshest critics.

Since when is people being able to afford everything a priority? It's not and should not be. Making great products at a somewhat affordable price is what is important. Consumers then have to make choices with what matches their budget. Otherwise I'd have a mansion with a 365 car garage full of amazing current and eras gone by cars so that I could drive to my professional sports teams in a different car every day. But that's not reality so I'm content with one great car and season tickets in nosebleed.

 

[natepaschall]

They should probably update their website then

 

[Will.O.Bie]

Aww I think it’s a misunderstanding of the definition on your part. Here to go!

http://origin-mwebserp.dictionary.com/browse/computer

Thank you professor for gracing me with your wisdom, definitely a teachable moment eh?

 

[blairh]

Why not a MacBook that can have the screen detach and can be used as a tablet that runs macOS? I honestly think that would be ideal.

 

[MrGimper]

Well, they were originally against the stylus too, so... it's still possible.

A stylus on a phone, to be specific....

 

[H2SO4]

He is absolutely correct.

Of course he might not be. The implementation he has in his head makes him correct. But same as anything he just needs to think more broadly.

 

[Danoc]

-

 

[TVreporter]

Yeah before you consider merging anything, how about fix the mess that High Sierra has been.

 

[Basic75]

Well, they were originally against the stylus too, so... it's still possible.

No, that's not right. They were against a stylus for primary touch input, to control the device. The Pencil is not a stylus in that sense, it's an additional device for an additional task at which it is better. Is this distinction so hard to grasp that people constantly make this mistake?

 

[tsim]

They could merge the ipad and mac by using the Ipad Pro as a wireless display for any mac desktop. it could be done over a direct wifi connection to the desktop, thus it could only be used in this capacity within a close distance to the desktop. It would be awesome to have the power and upgrade ability of the desktop and portability around the house like a laptop. This would still allow for laptop sale for people that need the full portability and power of a laptop.

Apple get on this!!

 

[nexusrule]

It's already watered down, the Ipad isn't a computer.

That’ exactly his point. The iPad is a tablet not a computer.

 

[H2SO4]

Good Call, i love MAC as it is

Hmmm, how would your Mac, with a touchscreen, (that you don't have to use), mean you'd love it any less?

 

[rtomyj]

Thank you professor for gracing me with your wisdom, definitely a teachable moment eh?

No problem man! We all need help now and then!

 

[techwhiz]

Then maybe he needs to stop pushing the iPad as a "computer". If he's adamant about keeping them apart, and they do have systematic benefits to themselves, then just stop with the nonsense of an iPad "What's a computer?" campaign. I use my iPad pro on the go and it has it's limitations that I wouldn't get on my MacBook, although, I love the versatility of my iPad Pro so it has its own benefits as well.

The iPad is a computer.
It's a different kind of computer that primarily is point, or now with the pencil; write.
The Mac is something completely different.
I run at least one VM for CentOS (Linux) along with some heavy lifting on my Mac that an iPad is not equipped for.

They should not merge because the paradigms are different.
Cook is correct.
[doublepost=1524155495][/doublepost]

If iOS had Finder and a more robust app launcher I don't think I would need a MacBook.

You also need a file system that you can see.

 

[qawes]

Please, please don’t do that to your laptops, Apple.

Don’t ruin what’s left of them.

 

[Basic75]

One of the selling points of the first iPhone was "it runs OS X" (later in the keynote it was revealed that it was running a "modified" version of OS X, but the link between the phone's OS and OS X was considered a crucial sticking point). Instead of merging MacBooks and iPads, Apple should instead make iOS more powerful, more functional, and more in line with macOS.

They basically run the same operating system, just the UI layer is different. Of course most people only see skin deep, so for them "everything" is different.

 

[Phil in ocala]

Better profits if we can sell everyone both too ;-)

edit: before I get jumped on, I believe they should be separate devices given today's overall landscape and use cases.

I agree with Cook....period

 

[thisismyusername]

A stylus on a phone, to be specific....

And it's only a matter of time before iPhones support the Pencil.

it's an additional device for an additional task at which it is better.

Translation: the Apple Pencil is just a fancy stylus.

 

[Mackinjosh]

Looking at the current state of MacBook Pros illustrates a masterclass in compromise. All for the idiotic sake of thinness. Like a long battery? Too bad. Like a nice tactile keyboard? Again, too bad we went thin. Ports are great to have, right!? Ooops, sorry, had to jettison those because our lead designers care more about form over function.

 

[jscooper22]

Good, now that THAT'S settled can we get so-called "pro" computers that connect to networks and other hardware without a gaggle of unreliable adapters?