iPad Pro Docked iPad = Full MacOS

[TSE]

I understand Apple's theory on not having MacOS be a touch user interface (those touchscreen Windows XP devices from years past). I also understand not turning iPadOS into some weird hybrid thingy that does a lot of things OK but nothing great (Windows 8).

But really, if an iPad is connected to an external monitor. Connected to a keyboard. Connected to a mouse. Why the hell should it still be running iPadOS? Isn't that choosing to run a touch interface with a mouse interface which mismatches the input with the interface - exactly what Apple is against?

Instead of trying to turn iPadOS's desktop experience into an ACCEPTABLE one which they have slowly been doing, just give us an already GREAT desktop experience and have the iPad run full MacOS when it meets certain requirements - it detects a keyboard, external monitor, and mouse are all connected. That way Apple can STILL control the experience, give us the absolute best of both worlds, and an M1 iPad Pro can still run the same apps in both ecosystems. When it is in tablet mode you have the best touch interface in the world, and when it is in desktop mode you have the best desktop interface in the world. No more confusing the two!

 

[Jonr515]

I think that would require a dual bootable OS based on peripherals. Besides taking up a lot of disk space that sounds like a technical nightmare although I wish it was possible. That being said I don’t think Apple wants to loose that much market when now if you want An m1 iPad and a m1 laptop/iMac/mini you have to buy two devices.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I think that would defeat the purpose and current direction of Apple and iPadOS. I don't think Apple is trying to turn the iPad into a Mac. I think Apple's goal is to make the iPadOS better for the purpose category it resides in.

 

[TSE]

I think that would defeat the purpose and current direction of Apple and iPadOS. I don't think Apple is trying to turn the iPad into a Mac. I think Apple's goal is to make the iPadOS better for the purpose category it resides in.

But what category is a tablet that in which it is connected to a mouse and keyboard? Is it still a tablet if you aren't using the touch interface?

 

[Apple_Robert]

But what category is a tablet that in which it is connected to a mouse and keyboard? Is it still a tablet if you aren't using the touch interface?

I think as far as Apple is concerned, it is still an iPad connected to peripherals. No different than temporarily connecting an external drive to the iPad.

 

[Seanm87]

My iPad switching to MacOS every time i attach it to the magic keyboard (i take it on and off frequently) would be a tremendous pain in the ass.

So its a no from me.

 

[cupcakes2000]

But really, if an iPad is connected to an external monitor. Connected to a keyboard. Connected to a mouse. Why the hell should it still be running iPadOS? Isn't that choosing to run a touch interface with a mouse interface which mismatches the input with the interface - exactly what Apple is against?

So what happens to the stuff I’m working on in iPadOS? Just disappears on the assumption I want macOS?

This isnt the way to solve this ‘issue’. The only way is by adding features to ipadOS. I have a mac mini which I use via Jump or sidecar almost exclusively. MacOS as an app (as is nearly the case) works well. Extended functionality of sidecar would be a massive benefit. I think the only way macOS will ever be on an iPad is in a kind of app form like this

 

[symphony]

But what category is a tablet that in which it is connected to a mouse and keyboard? Is it still a tablet if you aren't using the touch interface?

It’s still a tablet, the actual device is a tablet mounted on a keyboard. Without the keyboard, the tablet’s main input is still touch.

Apple just needs to build iPadOS as powerful as macOS

 

[maternidad]

This would be difficult to understand for people with qualities uncommon among those who read this website. iPadOS users already have beliefs about the means of producing outcomes with their device. macOS is very different. Imagine them opening System Preferences!

iPad apps, of course, do not become more pleasing to use with a trackpad and keyboard if started on macOS; even the benefit you describe I find probable to be more minimal than you think.

 

[maflynn]

I think a docked laptop is a better option where as the iPad docked or not cannot compete. Plus I don’t think Apple will be merging the code lines or making a macOS lite for the iPad

 

[Digitalguy]

We have been discussing this is another thread one month ago... Some people had suggested a Mac "app" from Apple, that would either disable the touchscreen or only work on an external display... (if that ever happens I think it would more likely be the second option)
Personally, I don't think this will happen anytime soon, but I can see a "desktop mode" when docked to a monitor, which would look like MacOS but just to make multitasking easier, not to install Mac-only apps.
Especially after following the Epic saga, I doubt Apple will ever want to have full MacOS on iPad...
Rather they will port their pro apps and will push developers to port their desktop apps to iPads... And many are doing it... Several software houses have announced they are working on iPad versions of their desktop apps.
So things are moving, but slowly.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I think that would defeat the purpose and current direction of Apple and iPadOS. I don't think Apple is trying to turn the iPad into a Mac. I think Apple's goal is to make the iPadOS better for the purpose category it resides in.

Yeah, I believe the same thing.

 

[Minerbot360]

I agree with what was said in the Mac Address video, that the iPadOS mouse support was built for the magic keyboard, because Apple so strongly believes that moving your hand from the keyboard to touch a screen is awful. The mouse support was not added to make iPadOS more like macOS, it was added for the magic keyboard.

 

[thefourthpope]

I agree with what was said in the Mac Address video, that the iPadOS mouse support was built for the magic keyboard, because Apple so strongly believes that moving your hand from the keyboard to touch a screen is awful. The mouse support was not added to make iPadOS more like macOS, it was added for the magic keyboard.

They were right about that and implemented it well. Lots of practice from their assistive options.

My iPad switching to MacOS every time i attach it to the magic keyboard (i take it on and off frequently) would be a tremendous pain in the ass.

So its a no from me.

Agreed. I move between removing and replacing the iPad in a single basic workflow like signing a PDF. At most there would need to be a keyboard command or app to launch (I don’t think either of those are coming).

I’m just looking for greatly improved multitasking (including true external monitor support) and making elements of the file system more available.

 

[FrozenDarkness]

it’s quite simple.

1) Apple wants to sell you two devices
2) The vast majority of people are buying iPads that are underpowered
3) Apple wants to sell you two devices

Apple wants to sell you two devices.

 

[pdoherty]

I think a docked laptop is a better option where as the iPad docked or not cannot compete. Plus I don’t think Apple will be merging the code lines or making a macOS lite for the iPad

Huh? The iPad Pros have identical hardware. And can have keyboards and mice attached. In what way can they not compete?

 

[camotron]

I think the middle ground is tighter integration between iPadOS and MacOS. This would benefit users and potentially allow some deeper use cases if done well. It also allows Apple to continue with their business plan of selling both units to a single user.