Video Demos macOS Catalina Running on iPad Pro via x86 Emulation

[MacRumors]

A video demonstrating macOS Catalina running on a current 2020 iPad Pro has been shared on YouTube, giving us a look at an interesting hack that has a Mac OS up and working on one of Apple's iPads.

There's limited information about how the process of getting macOS Catalina on an iPad Pro works, but it uses x86 emulation and was done through the UTM software that allows virtual machines to run on iOS.

Booting up into macOS Catalina took a full 20 minutes, though the original creator says that it has since been optimized and now takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes. The video is over 37 minutes long due to how slow macOS Catalina is on the iPad, and it is not a functional or usable installation at this time, but it's interesting to see the macOS operating system on an iPad Pro.

Article Link: Video Demos macOS Catalina Running on iPad Pro via x86 Emulation

 

[yurc]

The new ''hackintosh"

 

[Darth Tulhu]

Until macOS is optimized for touch (it never will be), I'll pass on something like this and just hope Apple continues to refine the OS designed for the device instead.

 

[AstroBackpacker]

Yeah but can you airdrop yourself files from macOS to iPadOS on the iPad?

/s

 

[gaximus]

How far along in the process do you think he was when they announced an ARM version of MacOS coming out. A real “ah f**k” situation.

 

[benshive]

I have OS X 10.5.4, Windows XP, and Linux Mint VMs set up on my iPad Pro with UTM. Tried TempleOS just for fun because couldn't get mouse/keyboard input to do anything

 

[TrulsZK]

Since Apple is making the chips for both iPad and Mac I really want to see an iPad running macOS especially with the Apple Magic keyboard+trackpad case

 

[fhall1]

Terrible video......38 minutes with no sound, and about 30 minutes of the 38 with code flashing by or nothing or cursor spinning

 

[swm]

this is perfect proof against running anything similar to the macOS UI on a touch input only device.
i know, it also supports mouse, but it's easy to see that is not the primary input method.

 

[0815]

very impressive, very slow, but still impressive

 

[0815]

this is perfect proof against running anything similar to the macOS UI on a touch input only device.
i know, it also supports mouse, but it's easy to see that is not the primary input method.

ipadOS is no longer a touch-only interface ... I have the latest iPad Pro with Apple's keyboard+touch pad and also the pencil ... it combines the best of all worlds. Using the iPad became for me a nice mix of keyboard/touchpad/finger/pen ... same could be true for macOS

 

[drumcat]

There'd be less clamouring if they'd allow Electron apps.

 

[grimgreybeard]

What's next? BigSur on Apple Watch?

 

[the-tml]

Until macOS is optimized for touch (it never will be), I'll pass on something like this and just hope Apple continues to refine the OS designed for the device instead.

You think the point with this is to produce something that end-users would want to use? I am sure it is done just for fun, to show that it can be done.

 

[Benjamin Nabulsi]

This year Apple should enable iPad Pro to run macOS and it's fine to have rules like 30% minimum battery and keyboard and mouse attached. iOS can't be taken seriously to replace the desktop work.

 

[Kinotto]

No need for it, all I wish for is full fledged Office and Photoshop for iPadOS ( not the joke Adobe is selling now) and I can say goodbye to my Mac

 

[coolfactor]

Until macOS is optimized for touch (it never will be), I'll pass on something like this and just hope Apple continues to refine the OS designed for the device instead.

The changes to the user interface on macOS Big Sur were deliberately to support touch. Menus spaced apart, larger "touch" targets.... it's all setting the stage for a touch-based macOS.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

This was the secret life of Catalina, essentially a Big Sur prototype with ARM-compatability. I think everyone knew that the bugginess was there for a reason.

 

[tonyr6]

You mean I wasted over $2000 buying a MacBook Pro when I could have used my iPad.
Joking aside this is an achievement that's its possible to run software on the iPad that is not stock.

 

[iL15hts]

What's next? BigSur on Apple Watch?

It will be called small sur 😂

 

[Marx55]

Apple should make a Mac tablet. As small and light as possible. Ideally, 200 g and pocketable. Even without battery, but charging from the mains. Not for heavy work, but the ultimate Keynote and PowerPoint presentation tool. Make the presentation on the desktop Mac. Save it into the Mac tablet and carry it to the presentation room. Great for teachers and researchers.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Apple should make a Mac tablet. As small and light as possible. Ideally, 200 g and pocketable. Even without battery, but charging from the mains. Not for heavy work, but the ultimate Keynote and PowerPoint presentation tool. Make the presentation on the desktop Mac. Save it into the Mac tablet and carry it to the presentation room. Great for teachers and researchers.

Look up ‘iPad’

 

[PhillieG57]

I wish Apple would get Catalina to work on a Mac Mini! I made the big mistake of installing it and it has caused so many problems

 

[DummyFool]

An iPad Pro that could dual boot to iOS and MacOS would be the perfect device for me.

 

[dawhol9]

Apple should make a Mac tablet. As small and light as possible. Ideally, 200 g and pocketable. Even without battery, but charging from the mains. Not for heavy work, but the ultimate Keynote and PowerPoint presentation tool. Make the presentation on the desktop Mac. Save it into the Mac tablet and carry it to the presentation room. Great for teachers and researchers.

Look up ‘iPad’

Or iPhone