iPad Pro Ideal iPad set up wish list.

[cupcakes2000]

So what would you like ideally?


I want:

iPad Pro:
14 or 16” option
Dual TB ports
Landscape cam
Unlink the ram/storage

Magic Keyboard:
Built in dedicated Mac mini, with dedicated TB ports.
iPad charging connector to allow data via the Smart Connector, add another on the opposite side so there are two and can charge from either side, and it charges both devices.
The battery doesn’t need to be anything other than enough to power the mac for a short amount of time, a caveat for thinness would be that it’s designed to be plugged in for the mac.
Ability to fold to a decent drawing mode.


iPadOS:
Dedicated Mac app for inbuilt Mac mini, enabling usage when the iPad is detached (including remotely).

I mean - I already use my Mac Mini and iPad in this manner. I have done for years, using a compo of Luna display and Jump desktop. It’s brilliant, but quite unwieldy.

Would love a dedicated solution.

I would prefer to limit the “ipad is a toy just buy a Mac” replies, so if possible please spam other threads with that.

 

[Digitalguy]

I have a similar hardware wishlist (larger, more ports, landscape cam). I am ok with RAM/storage options, and I don't believe it's efficient for Apple to unlink given the lower sales of the iPad pro vs Mac.

Concerning iPadOS my first requirement is a charge limit (likes almost anyone else does). For instance 85% like Samsung does, or even better fully customizable like on Thinkpads. This way I can leave the iPad plugged in all day.
I use my tablets as monitors a lot, all day long, and I am using Samsung 14.6in and 12.4in most of the time because of that.
On iPad I use Duet pro, Luna and Sidecar and have made a detailed comparison of the 3 in a past post. But the options for Windows are even better (there is no audio support on iPad for instance).
My main softwares at the moment are Superdisplay (the best), which is Windows/Android only, Spacedesk which is Windows/Ipad/Android but not Mac (works great Windows to Windows and allows me to use my 15" Surface Book as a touch monitor with pen) and the Miracast feature built into all Intel devices (and also present in Samsung tablets, called second screen). Here there is not much that Apple can do other than improving Sidecar, which is the worst of these solutions currently...
I also use remote desktop with Jump Desktop, altough I wish there was a touch optimized version of it (Splashtop is better optimized for touch).
Another big wish is the ability to use the audio from the iPad while connected to a monitor, not possible now, which is just dumb.
I also wish iPads could use another iPad as a monitor (sort of Sidecar) and with Universal Control without a Mac involved. On iPadOS 17 there is an unofficial feature to use the iPad as a monitor wired but it's limited to 16:9 and does not support touch...
I also would like the iPad to support touch monitors and even digitizers.
And I would like to be able to remote into an iPad.
Also I would like the iPad to wirelessly extend the display to a Mac (not just mirror) or Apple TV (I wish they could use Miracast but that's never going to happen).
As for the Magic Keyboard, you are talking more of a Magic Keyboard Mac, something I have been mentioning for years, on which the iPad could dock, but that will of course be much heavier than the current MK. I think this should be a separate device, especially if it has a battery. If they ever make it, I hope it is USB C powered
Concerning the current MK, I mainly want to USB C port to have higher power, as a portable monitor will still discharge the iPad while plugged in via the MK. I am not sure I would like it to do much more if that means an increase in weight. One thing I would love, especially for a larger iPad pro, is a solution like the one for the 10" iPad, that is a kickstand with detachable keyboard, similarly to what Samsung does (that can fold at any angle, unlike the on in the 10" iPad). That would be great to give the tablet a kickstand without having the keyboard always there (also allows to use other keyboards).
I would like this to be an additional option, not a replacement for the current MK.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

So what would you like ideally?


I want:

iPad Pro:
14 or 16” option
Dual TB ports
Landscape cam
Unlink the ram/storage

Magic Keyboard:
Built in dedicated Mac mini, with dedicated TB ports.
iPad charging connector to allow data via the Smart Connector, add another on the opposite side so there are two and can charge from either side, and it charges both devices.
The battery doesn’t need to be anything other than enough to power the mac for a short amount of time, a caveat for thinness would be that it’s designed to be plugged in for the mac.
Ability to fold to a decent drawing mode.


iPadOS:
Dedicated Mac app for inbuilt Mac mini, enabling usage when the iPad is detached (including remotely).

I mean - I already use my Mac Mini and iPad in this manner. I have done for years, using a compo of Luna display and Jump desktop. It’s brilliant, but quite unwieldy.

Would love a dedicated solution.

I would prefer to limit the “ipad is a toy just buy a Mac” replies, so if possible please spam other threads with that.

This would be great.

I would add, some sort of God Tier-GPU (40-cores or something) and a 240Hz refresh rate just for the gaming potential.

Then it would make the iPad MORE PRO (just kidding cupcakes 🤣 - those threads just make me laugh so much).

 

[cupcakes2000]

This would be great.

I would add, some sort of God Tier-GPU (40-cores or something) and a 240Hz refresh rate just for the gaming potential.

Then it would make the iPad MORE PRO (just kidding cupcakes 🤣 - those threads just make me laugh so much).

Very droll.

Although what I’m suggesting isn’t exactly out of the realms of possibility. It’s just adding a Mac to an iPad which would have a larger screen.

I do it already with my Mac mini.

 

[subjonas]

(Disclaimer- a lot of these are fantasy)

iPad:
- I could be interested in a larger 14-16”
- return of headphone port. If I want to use my iPad Pro for more work stuff then I’d often need to use it with wired headphones, and dongles are not ideal. Plus the reasons to remove the headphone port from the iPhone do not apply to the iPad Pro.
- return of Touch ID, maybe to the power button
- front-facing speakers
- textured glass like Cintiqs for pen friction
- compatible with batteryless Wacom pens

Magic Keyboard:
- maybe some kind of tent mode

Smart Keyboard Cover:
The original ASK was the slimmest lightest keyboard cover for iPads, so I’d like another one to carry in my everyday bag. MK is too heavy, I’d just keep it at home.

iPadOS:
- a way for apps that are doing something on their own to remain active but in the background but also some visual cue/reminder that they’re still active, like a bar on the side of the screen, or some icon in status bar, which will also take me back to the app with a tap or swipe
- simultaneous playback of multiple media

iPadOS apps:
- good consistent support for sharing to Files across all apps
- iPadOS version of the desktop application I use for work

Sidecar:
- better drawing support, like native iPad or Wacom Cintiq level

 

[cupcakes2000]

(Disclaimer- a lot of these are fantasy)

iPad:
- I could be interested in a larger 14-16”
- return of headphone port. If I want to use my iPad Pro for more work stuff then I’d often need to use it with wired headphones, and dongles are not ideal. Plus the reasons to remove the headphone port from the iPhone do not apply to the iPad Pro.
- return of Touch ID, maybe to the power button
- front-facing speakers
- textured glass like Cintiqs for pen friction
- compatible with batteryless Wacom pens

Magic Keyboard:
- maybe some kind of tent mode

Smart Keyboard Cover:
The original ASK was the slimmest lightest keyboard cover for iPads, so I’d like another one to carry in my everyday bag. MK is too heavy, I’d just keep it at home.

iPadOS:
- a way for apps that are doing something on their own to remain active but in the background but also some visual cue/reminder that they’re still active, like a bar on the side of the screen, or some icon in status bar, which will also take me back to the app with a tap or swipe
- simultaneous playback of multiple media

iPadOS apps:
- good consistent support for sharing to Files across all apps
- iPadOS version of the desktop application I use for work

Sidecar:
- better drawing support, like native iPad or Wacom Cintiq level

Ah yes - a textured glass option. Good one. That would be ideal.

Also proper/traditional window resizing tools in stage manager. That little drop down list is unnecessarily annoying.

 

[Digitalguy]

(Disclaimer- a lot of these are fantasy)

iPad:
- I could be interested in a larger 14-16”
- return of headphone port. If I want to use my iPad Pro for more work stuff then I’d often need to use it with wired headphones, and dongles are not ideal. Plus the reasons to remove the headphone port from the iPhone do not apply to the iPad Pro.
- return of Touch ID, maybe to the power button
- front-facing speakers
- textured glass like Cintiqs for pen friction
- compatible with batteryless Wacom pens

Pretty unrealistic for the most part knowing Apple

Magic Keyboard:
- maybe some kind of tent mode

Smart Keyboard Cover:
The original ASK was the slimmest lightest keyboard cover for iPads, so I’d like another one to carry in my everyday bag. MK is too heavy, I’d just keep it at home.

Isn't this already available for current devices?

iPadOS:
- a way for apps that are doing something on their own to remain active but in the background but also some visual cue/reminder that they’re still active, like a bar on the side of the screen, or some icon in status bar, which will also take me back to the app with a tap or swipe
- simultaneous playback of multiple media

That's what Samsung already does with OneUI (no need for Dex)

iPadOS apps:
- good consistent support for sharing to Files across all apps
- iPadOS version of the desktop application I use for work

Choosing default apps has been on of my main request for years (again something you have always been able to do on Android)
As for desktop apps, this is really up to software companies, not Apple

Sidecar:
- better drawing support, like native iPad or Wacom Cintiq level

for me the main issue is lack of proper touch, otherwise I don't see it as an inferior option

 

[geta]

Simple - same as iPad Mini 6 size, weight and shape, but with 8-16GB RAM, base version with 128GB storage (up to 1TB upgrade option), and the latest CPU available (A or M series).

 

[Digitalguy]

Simple - same as iPad Mini 6 size, weight and shape, but with 8-16GB RAM, base version with 128GB storage (up to 1TB upgrade option), and the latest CPU available (A or M series).

Not much you can do with a mini in terms of work and productivity (which is the idea of this thread) if you don't have a monitor and external keyboard available. That's the least useful device of the line for that.

 

[geta]

Not much you can do with a mini in terms of work and productivity (which is the idea of this thread) if you don't have a monitor and external keyboard available. That's the least useful device of the line for that.

No idea whats holding you from using the Mini for work and productivity, but for my daily usage the Mini 6 cover everything i need even thou its biggest limitation is the RAM.

As for keyboard and external screen, it’s the last thing i care about when im using the Mini (or iPads in general), and if i really need, i’ll use my MBP instead.

And of course the last thing i want is a giant 14-16” iPad with keyboard to use it as a laptop/desktop replacement.

Anyways, the biggest limitation of any iPad size is the iPadOS…

 

[Digitalguy]

No idea whats holding you from using the Mini for work and productivity, but for my daily usage the Mini 6 cover everything i need even thou its biggest limitation is the RAM.

As for keyboard and external screen, it’s the last thing i care about when im using the Mini (or iPads in general), and if i really need, i’ll use my MBP instead.

And of course the last thing i want is a giant 14-16” iPad with keyboard to use it as a laptop/desktop replacement.

Anyways, the biggest limitation of any iPad size is the iPadOS…

What prevents me is that it's the least usable/useful as a productivity device for my use.
I use my iPads to annotate Word documents and PDFs and it's the least comfortable to use because it's the smallest. Maybe it's the most comfortable for you if you hold the tablets all the time while you do, but in my case even if I need to hold (rarely), the 11" is still a better compromise.
I also use my iPads as monitors and it's too small for that. Same for sheet music.
Also to remote into a computer, too small, let alone there is no keyboard and trackpad.
Even for leisure like watching TV, youtube etc. the larger devices are nicer. Again I don't hold them for hours, they have stands etc.
The only thing the mini excels at is in bed, where any other device is too big, but a smartphone can do most of the same things in bed...
Other than that I don't use any iPad to replace any a laptop, I have plenty of laptops, iPads complement my laptops.

 

[Ludatyk]

Would love a dedicated solution.

Now this dedicated solution you propose... how much will Apple price it? I predict the price will be enormous…

As for me, I’m looking at it from the perspective of what will it take for me to upgrade from my M1 iPad Pro… and it has to be some type of software limitation that’s limited to this unannounced iPad Pro. As much as I would enjoy having an additional port… that wouldn’t really move the needle for me.

And realistically, I don’t think Apple would have macOS anywhere near the iPad. So, anything that has macOS ported over to the iPad even with a Magic Keyboard dock… I’ll be shocked to see something like that. As of now, the latest software limitation we have now is external display limited to M1.

So, if Apple were to expand on that limitation… Maybe having 14” iPad Pro that allows for more than 4 windows active when using Stage Manager and simultaneously audio stream could interest me.

 

[solarmon]

Mobility is going to be my most important criteria in the next few years.

The 2020 Pro 11” w/MKB I use now is almost enough for me to ditch my MB, which I use only occasionally. I’m thinking of upgrading to next year’s IPad Pro (selling my 2022 MBA M2 1TB) and getting the latest mini iPad with a 3rd party BT keyboard case, as a emergency backup and for light travel.

We’ll see. I really don’t want to have to keep updating both operating systems. If Apple ever brings out a hybrid that can run both MacOS and iPadOS, I’d buy two of those.

 

[Digitalguy]

Now this dedicated solution you propose... how much will Apple price it? I predict the price will be enormous…

As for me, I’m looking at it from the perspective of what will it take for me to upgrade from my M1 iPad Pro… and it has to be some type of software limitation that’s limited to this unannounced iPad Pro. As much as I would enjoy having an additional port… that wouldn’t really move the needle for me.

And realistically, I don’t think Apple would have macOS anywhere near the iPad. So, anything that has macOS ported over to the iPad even with a Magic Keyboard dock… I’ll be shocked to see something like that. As of now, the latest software limitation we have now is external display limited to M1.

So, if Apple were to expand on that limitation… Maybe having 14” iPad Pro that allows for more than 4 windows active when using Stage Manager and simultaneously audio stream could interest me.

I agree a Mac dock is unlikely (although less unlikely than MacOS inside the iPad) but all the improvement I mentioned above are nothing extraordinary, I think most of them would be totally feasible...

 

[Ludatyk]

I agree a Mac dock is unlikely (although less unlikely than MacOS inside the iPad) but all the improvement I mentioned above are nothing extraordinary, I think most of them would be totally feasible...

Charge limit? Absolutely! I think Apple will implement this now that it’s available on the 15 series.

Not quite certain about Universal Control without a Mac, that’s one of those rare use cases. Not too many folks have multiple iPads to use such a thing. And I don’t really use my iPad as a monitor as much as you do.. I have a portable monitor that I use instead.

Another big wish is the ability to use the audio from the iPad while connected to a monitor, not possible now, which is just dumb.

This works for iPadOS 17.1 now.. blew my mind when I plugged my monitor and had audio come directly from the iPad.

 

[Digitalguy]

This works for iPadOS 17.1 now.. blew my mind when I plugged my monitor and had audio come directly from the iPad.

really, must try this immediately!
PS 17.1 is not available yet...

 

[Ludatyk]

really, must try this immediately!
PS 17.1 is not available yet...

Yeah, I checked that myself… it’s still in beta. But good news is that its on track for next week!

 

[Digitalguy]

Yeah, I checked that myself… it’s still in beta. But good news is that its on track for next week!

yeah that's a great news... however even on 17.0 there is already the possibility to select an homepod, which wasn't possible on 16 (crazy...)

 

[Ludatyk]

yeah that's a great news... however even on 17.0 there is already the possibility to select an homepod, which wasn't possible on 16 (crazy...)

It’s those little things, Apple is slowly trying to catch those little annoyances we face daily... can’t wait for you to try it out. Since it’s on your wish list!

 

[subjonas]

Isn't this already available for current devices?

I don’t believe MK can do tent mode, but I don’t have one so I could be wrong. Tent mode is good because it can do any angle and it saves table space.
I think the Smart Keyboard is now only sold for the 9th gen regular iPad. There is a Smart Folio for the other iPads but that is heavier and thicker.

 

[Digitalguy]

I don’t believe MK can do tent mode, but I don’t have one so I could be wrong. Tent mode is good because it can do any angle and it saves table space.
I think the Smart Keyboard is now only sold for the 9th gen regular iPad. There is a Smart Folio for the other iPads but that is heavier and thicker.

I was not replying to the tent mode, but the the Apple smart cover keyboards, which already exists. But I see your point, but the issue is, that's not possible with the redesigned iPads, since the connector is no longer on the side but on the back, so you need to cover the back. And this is not going to change because it's how the MK works and as much as they can redesign the MK they are not changing this fundamental design (nor I see they adding a second connector).
I too preferred the old smart keyboard design, but that's unfortunately gone forever...

 

[darngooddesign]

Mobility is going to be my most important criteria in the next few years.

The 2020 Pro 11” w/MKB I use now is almost enough for me to ditch my MB, which I use only occasionally. I’m thinking of upgrading to next year’s IPad Pro (selling my 2022 MBA M2 1TB) and getting the latest mini iPad with a 3rd party BT keyboard case, as a emergency backup and for light travel.

We’ll see. I really don’t want to have to keep updating both operating systems. If Apple ever brings out a hybrid that can run both MacOS and iPadOS, I’d buy two of those.

If you only use a Mac infrequently, you only need to upgrade it every five or six years and you can easily buy a cheap used base model.