iPad Pro With iPadOS 26, what can't an iPad Pro do compared with a MacBook Pro/Air?

[hajime]

Hi, so people have been saying that with iPad OS 26, an iPad becomes more like a Mac. What can't an iPad Pro 13" + iPad OS 26 do that can be done on MacBook Pro/Air?

Are the functionalities and GUI of the file system in iPad OS 26 the same as those in MacOS? Previously I gave up my iPad Pro 12.9" 2nd generation because I found the file system and the windows GUI lacking compared with a Mac. Another annoying thing I found was that some apps stored user files in their own specific locations. On MacOS, we could choose to store user files anywhere such as the desktop or one centralized user folder. Can iPad OS 26 do that?

 

[hovscorpion12]

iPadOS takes elements of MacOS, but is not a full MacOS 1-1. MacOS still the superior monitor support, multi-audio support, and app support.

The file system on OS 26 is very much enhanced vs OS 18. The only separation is that users can access deep rooted files on MacOS.

As far as stored user files in their own specific locations, i can't comment on that. Not sure on that one.

Essentially, iPadOS 26 turns the iPad into the best portable tablet.

 

[Digitalguy]

It can't ran MacOS apps. And especially for me, it can't run virtulized OS (Windows in my case).
I can only run Windows virtualized via jailbreak on my M1 but I have to keep it on iPadOS 15 because Apple removed Ipervisor from iPadoS 16
In terms of apps that are on the iPad some are subpar, like Microsoft Office. I cannot basic things like work on rtf files or compared files to get tracked changes. And in some complex formatting iPad Word can mess up the formatting of the file.

 

[hovscorpion12]

It can't ran MacOS apps. And especially for me, it can't run virtulized OS (Windows in my case).
I can only run Windows virtualized via jailbreak on my M1 but I have to keep it on iPadOS 15 because Apple removed Ipervisor from iPadoS 16
In terms of apps that are on the iPad some are subpar, like Microsoft Office. I cannot basic things like work on rtf files or compared files to get tracked changes. And in some complex formatting iPad Word can mess up the formatting of the file.

For windows VMs, i do recommend Shadow PC. While it wont give you a $5,000+ RTX 5090 setup, it fits the mid-tier PC specs.

 

[muzzy996]

The foundation of iPadOS is still the same in terms of the silos for storage of app specific data even though there has been continued improvement of file management in the Files app on the iPad. Whether or not this is important varies by the user and preferred workflows which of course are app dependent. The window management seems vastly improved in iPadOS 26 and it does make me at least consider an iPP more now - I too stopped with my 2nd Gen iPP 12.9 and opted instead to go iPad Mini because I no longer thought the iPP line was worth it for my workflows.

As mentioned by others above the main differences I see that matter to me between a current generation iPP and a MacBook would be better multimonitor support, multi-audio support (having something paused when another audio source steals focus is irritating) and app support (full versions of Office apps and other apps important to me like Davinci Resolve Studio). Multi-user support is also great to have. Lastly I'd add app-reloads to the list - iPadOS still has reloads of apps/web pages as an issue as memory gets used up while multitasking.

Ultimately for myself personally I'd rather have a 2-in-1 MacOS machine similar to a Surface Pro that would run MacOS and be able to run iPad apps as well. I know that is unlikely to ever happen so I am not holding my breath, and I therrefore use my Surface Pro 9 in conjunction with my iPad Mini 7 to fill the gap. It's far from ideal since battery life is horrible on the SP9 but at least I get more flexibility for the desktop workflows that I need on it than I would on an iPad.

 

[xxFoxtail]

With iPadOS 26, it's still very much an iPad. Other than a couple new multitasking tricks and shortcuts, it doesn't really do much more than iPadOS 18. Some apps still have their own folders for data, but some like Apple's iWork let you save wherever you'd like.

Features like clamshell mode, multi-user, and DDC control (adjust volume and brightness on 3rd party displays) But it's all supported by a MacBook.

I’d say if you’re still happy with your Mac, you might as well keep using that. I personally was, but FOMO purchased (was half-gifted) my M4 iPad Pro. I don’t regret it, as I use it daily for work and home, but I didn’t need it, my MacBook and iPhone combo were more than enough. The MacBook has pretty much been in and out of storage for nearly a year now.

 

[Digitalguy]

For windows VMs, i do recommend Shadow PC. While it wont give you a $5,000+ RTX 5090 setup, it fits the mid-tier PC specs.

For someone like me who has dozens of Windows PCs, Shadow PC makes no financial sense. Shadow PC is essentially a server into which you can remote and for which you pay a hefty subscription. I can do my own remote desktop with Jump Desktop or Rustdesk for essentially free into one of my laptops or desktops instead of paying $30-40 a month...
That's what I do regularly, the only issue is that you need to have internet always available wherever you go to make it work.

 

[xxFoxtail]

For someone like me who has dozens of Windows PCs, Shadow PC makes no financial sense. Shadow PC is essentially a server into which you can remote and for which you pay a hefty subscription. I can do my own remote desktop with Jump Desktop or Rustdesk for essentially free into one of my laptops or desktops instead of paying $30-40 a month...
That's what I do regularly, the only issue is that you need to have internet always available wherever you go to make it work.

I've used Shadow PC a couple years ago with an iPad before I decided to get my MacBook. I'm not sure what kind of wizardry they used in that app, but it always felt like Windows was running natively on my iPad, even on slower connection speeds.

I'll occasionally use Jump Desktop to remote connect into my work computer or MacBook, and even though it works fine, the experience just isn't the same. Frame rate dips and occasional spikes of latency.

At the time, I was iPad-only with Shadow PC when I needed it for something, but as you mentioned, financially it didn’t really make any sense. The amount of money I spent per year for Shadow could have bought me a Mac mini or something else. Though it was one less physical device I needed to manage, which was nice.

 

[snipr125]

But look what the iPP can do better than any Macbook. More advanced display (best in industry in fact), full touch screen, stylus support, Face ID, cellular connection, more optimised apps, snappier interface like an iPhone, more compact footprint with MKB and provide overall better versatility especially with iPad OS 26. Macs are of course important for dev work and intensive workloads and has had a massive resurgence since the M1, but just not as fun to use basically.

 

[Digitalguy]

But look what the iPP can do better than any Macbook. More advanced display (best in industry in fact), full touch screen, stylus support, Face ID, cellular connection, more optimised apps, snappier interface like an iPhone, more compact footprint with MKB and provide overall better versatility especially with iPad OS 26. Macs are of course important for dev work and intensive workloads and has had a massive resurgence since the M1, but just not as fun to use basically.

That's why, despite the iPad being unable to replace my laptops for work, is still the Apple machine on which I spend the most money. I have no use for a Macbook. I have seen extremely good prices and deal recently. Like a new M2 16GB for $599 or a used M1 16GB 512GB Macbook for $400 but I can't justify buying a machine I can't find a use for. A device that has no pen support, no cellular support and is not even the lightest laptop around, I can't fit it in my workflow.
My main device at home is a Surface Book 3 with touch and pen support, and which is convertible when needed. My device on the go is a 13" Thinkpad X1 nano with cellular, which is as light a 12" Macbook.
What's the point of a long lasting device when I don't have cellular and for the weight difference I can bring a laptop power bank...
And I also have a Surface pro 11 ARM which lasts 10 hours and is also convertible.
But the iPad has its place, at home and on the go, I actually have multiple ones and regularly upgrade them, because I have many use cases for them, contrary to a Macbook.

 

[sonicrobby]

I dont have iOS 26 yet, but can it open a .mp3 file in the "music" app?
Also can it show my hidden files and folder in the "files" app? (CTRL + Shift + "." on mac)

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Hi, so people have been saying that with iPad OS 26, an iPad becomes more like a Mac. What can't an iPad Pro 13" + iPad OS 26 do that can be done on MacBook Pro/Air?

Are the functionalities and GUI of the file system in iPad OS 26 the same as those in MacOS? Previously I gave up my iPad Pro 12.9" 2nd generation because I found the file system and the windows GUI lacking compared with a Mac. Another annoying thing I found was that some apps stored user files in their own specific locations. On MacOS, we could choose to store user files anywhere such as the desktop or one centralized user folder. Can iPad OS 26 do that?

Different Oss are... different.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

What can't an iPad Pro 13" + iPad OS 26 do that can be done on MacBook Pro/Air?

Basically - it can't run Mac apps. Though, Apple Silicon Macs CAN run many iPhone/iPad apps.

I tried to make a M1 iPad Pro with MKB my "Primary device" a few years ago, worked at it for about 18 months before throwing in the towel & getting a new MacBook Pro. And now my MacBook also has a LOT of the iPad apps that I use on a daily basis with my (cheaper) iPad Air. But it ALSO runs the Mac apps that I always had to remote into my Mac mini to use, with my iPad Pro (3D printing slicer, Quicken, etc.)

 

[iPadified]

I agree with everybody who says "apps" or "MacOS apps". Nothing new and a new window system is not solving that either. I get a little tired of reviewers and know it alls that looks more at the GUI and the Files rather than the quality of apps. I spend 99% of my time in apps (office , browser, scientific specific apps, CAD, Blender) and 1% messing with file management and moving windows around. I cannot understand the focus on the 1%.

 

[hajime]

I have tried M4 Air. The 13” version is OK for single window but as soon as I tried to use 2-3 windows, I found the desktop small. (Not sure if IPP M4 13” with the upcoming OS is better.) The 15” is fine with respect to the weight and just OK with resolution but the black bezel is too thick especially I see a thick black unused area on the top. The MacBook Pro 16” resolution is good. Although I don’t like the notch, I can tolerate it as it does not look as bad as the Air 15”. I used to carry a MacBook Pro 17” with a case everywhere without issue 20 years ago but a MacBook Pro 16” with a Teach21 wave case feels heavy. I traded in IPP 12.9” 2nd gen because I did not like the File app and windows GUI which seems to have improved to look similar to MacOS in iPad OS 26.

So I am thinking of IPP. Want to have 2-3 windows opening on the screen. Most likely I will trade in for a redesigned MacBook Pro 16” (hopefully lighter) next year.

 

[iPadified]

The foundation of iPadOS is still the same in terms of the silos for storage of app specific data even though there has been continued improvement of file management in the Files app on the iPad.

Is it only me who can put files where I want on iPad/cloud such as a folder dedicated for a project?

I have tried M4 Air. The 13” version is OK for single window but as soon as I tried to use 2-3 windows, I found the desktop small. (Not sure if IPP M4 13” with the upcoming OS is better.)

Exactly, there are reasons we like large screens.

 

[muzzy996]

Is it only me who can put files where I want on iPad/cloud such as a folder dedicated for a project?

Nope. I do it too. In acknowledgment of OPs comment about silos I am just confirming that support for file storage anywhere isn’t necessarily universal for all iOS applications. Some keep their data in silos. Thats on the developers though not necessarily iOS. My workflows aren’t typically affected but perhaps others will be.

 

[piccolamela]

I agree with everybody who says "apps" or "MacOS apps". Nothing new and a new window system is not solving that either. I get a little tired of reviewers and know it alls that looks more at the GUI and the Files rather than the quality of apps. I spend 99% of my time in apps (office , browser, scientific specific apps, CAD, Blender) and 1% messing with file management and moving windows around. I cannot understand the focus on the 1%.

Because focusing on the easy win > giving iPad users and iPadOS critics a bit more choice and options for multitasking and file management doesn't cut globally into their iOS/iPadOS App Store monopoly and Macbook profits.

 

[Ctrlos]

Something simple, like format a USB drive to FAT32 to make it compatible with Windows.

 

[sparksd]

Something simple, like format a USB drive to FAT32 to make it compatible with Windows.

Not so now -

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/06/24/ipados-18-format-external-drives/

 

[CloudChief]

I dont have iOS 26 yet, but can it open a .mp3 file in the "music" app?
Also can it show my hidden files and folder in the "files" app? (CTRL + Shift + "." on mac)

No. I came here to comment that mp3 files, or any music files like ALAC, cannot be added from Files to the Music app. However, you can listen to the files in the Files app. Makes no sense.

 

[Digitalguy]

No. I came here to comment that mp3 files, or any music files like ALAC, cannot be added from Files to the Music app. However, you can listen to the files in the Files app. Makes no sense.

This has historically been linked to the fight again music piracy by Apple back in the itunes times. That's one of the main reasons why file management has been so locked down until recently.

 

[CloudChief]

This has historically been linked to the fight again music piracy by Apple back in the itunes times. That's one of the main reasons why file management has been so locked down until recently.

I could see that being a valid reason. But Apple also shipped versions of iTunes that allowed users to rip CDs. Also, back in the day, people were more likely to sync music using a computer, which would allow them to add pirated music to iPads and iPods anyway.

I see this as more of a push to the iTunes Store than any sort of piracy prevention personally, especially because you could just listen to any unscrupulously sourced tracks in the files app anyway. Feels more like a garden wall that they don't want to lower in my opinion.

 

[Josieb1]

I have an iPad Pro 11 (M1) and a MacBook Pro 16 (M4). I bought the MacBook Pro because I wanted it, I appreciate a cheaper MacBook would have been good enough, but I use my iPad Pro for almost everything expect a program called Calibre. I use Calibre to log all my ebooks and to create ebooks. I can’t do that on an iPad.

 

[Josieb1]

I have an iPad Pro 11 (M1) and a MacBook Pro 16 (M4). I bought the MacBook Pro because I wanted it, I appreciate a cheaper MacBook would have been good enough, but I use my iPad Pro for almost everything expect a program called Calibre. I use Calibre to log all my ebooks and to create ebooks, and transfer them to a Kobo e-reader. I can’t do that on an iPad.