Well this is why I said at risk of not already has done so, but whispers of 'MacOS lite' and too much complexity crammed into iPadOS would be detrimental IMO. Yes you can argue just keep it all turned off, but then you're paying for complexity you're not using. This stuff takes software engineer time to develop, implement and maintain, and funding for that ultimately comes from hardware sales. Hardware design being geared towards docked use (e.g. side mounted FID camera discouraging portrait usage, more intrusive connector cutouts like the surface, over slim bezels making handling difficult) would also be a shame.
One could argue that the only people paying for the "extra complexity" and "advanced engineering", are the ones who buy the "Pro" models, and to a lesser extent the "Air" models and,
have chosen to do so themselves. Apple is not putting the "advanced engineering" and "next level software" abilities into the entry level iPads, nor are they charging an extra premium for the base level models. One could also point out that the people who do pay a premium for the "Pro" models, could expect them to have "Pro" features and the ability to run "Pro" software, and rightly so. They could even expect to use their "Pro" iPad tablet computer as a
laptop computer or a
desktop computer with external keyboard and mouse or trackpad, if they feel so inclined. Apple
is giving us the choice to have more, or less "complexity" at applicable price points. Heck, even in the "Pro" models, you can leave the "complexity" turned off and just have a premium priced, non complex, entertainment device, if that's what floats your boat. Seems as though Apple
has left this decision up to the consumer already, and is in no danger of "ruining the simplified tablet experience" for anyone, unless they decide to do so themselves. Even if they decided to add a light version of Mac OS to the "Pro" iPads, which I doubt they will, I am guessing that would also come with an on/off switch, and left up to the consumer whether or not to use it.
Case in point. My 85 year old mother who has never used a traditional computer in her life, uses her iPad 9th gen with little to no difficulty. She handles surfing the web, emails, messages, and YouTube just fine with no problem. She's a freaking Facebook, Messenger, and FaceTime wiz, who just adores her iPad and iPhone SE. Now, if a little old lady with no traditional computer experience can do it.....Just sayin'
Personally IMHO, I don't see the iPad in danger of being ruined in the least, as long as Apple continues to give us the choice of which iPad model we spend our money on, and what features we are able to turn on or off.