iPad as a laptop replacement

[burb15]

You would need to fully redesign the interface. A straight MacOS on a touch device is a horrible idea.

Not really - most people (including me) wouldn't care about an unoptimized macOS interface on their iPads. It would be sufficient if the apps that I am using were optimized for the iPads regarding touchable area, scroll etc.

That would mean minimal effort from Apple and only effort from app studios to make their app ready for "macOS on iPad". However, as Apple always tries to make the impression of a perfect company without flaws, they would never green light such a project without making the macOS UI ready for it. This however won't happen soon because the target group of people who can make use of macOS on their iPads is tiny.

So in short, Apple wouldn't have trouble doing so, but Apple is too "arrogant" to ever do this.

 

[darngooddesign]

Not really - most people (including me) wouldn't care about an unoptimized macOS interface on their iPads. It would be sufficient if the apps that I am using were optimized for the iPads regarding touchable area, scroll etc.

That would mean minimal effort from Apple and only effort from app studios to make their app ready for "macOS on iPad". However, as Apple always tries to make the impression of a perfect company without flaws, they would never green light such a project without making the macOS UI ready for it. This however won't happen soon because the target group of people who can make use of macOS on their iPads is tiny.

So in short, Apple wouldn't have trouble doing so, but Apple is too "arrogant" to ever do this.

Minimal effort?

MacOS has a menubar with drop-down menus which all apps use, iPadOS doesn’t. There is no amount of effort from app studios which can add the MacOS menubar; each developer would have to custom create all that stuff which would a pretty severe rewrite and who is going to re-purchase all their desktop apps just to get a MacOS on iPad version? Beyond that, people who most want MacOS want Finder with Finder windows, not Stage Manager and the Files app, so this minimal effort from Apple would require also bringing the full finder to iPadOS.

MacOS isn’t happening on the iPad until Apple figures out how to make the experience of running both OSes smooth a seamless. And the answer is certainly not “Just let the app studios figure it out”.

Apple knows that its power users love complaining about anything which doesn’t precisely meet their needs which is why it isn’t arrogance that has prevented MacOS on the iPad so far.

#notactuallymacosgate

 

[bondr006]

Well, I agree with you that apple could do it, perfectly if they want to. But also: a desktop OS on a tablet is a really bad idea. You would need to fully redesign the interface. A straight MacOS on a touch device is a horrible idea.
But Apple could develop MacOS to be the perfect solution for both devices, no doubt about!

And in a sense they did: I’ve bought a MacBook M1 and have hardly used it since I got my M2 12.9”. The iPad is everything I need for my bloody management job, even with occasional bouts of my old specialist job. I can type endlessly on it with my mechanical Bluetooth keyboard, have the magic trackpad next to it, external huge 5k screen attached while using the screen of the iPad as a notepad with Nebo.app. It not just fully replaces my MacBook, it improves on it because I can jot notes and use the screen in landscape. iPadOS has come a long way and many people could do all the work they need to do and do all their personal computing on one.
Hell, a lot of people don’t own a computer or iPad at all, they just have a phone and do everything on it.

But I wouldn’t dream of using the iPad for 3D machinepart design, serious data collection for research or even for sorting and archiving large amounts of files.
As always: the right tool for the job makes life so much better.

Not really - most people (including me) wouldn't care about an unoptimized macOS interface on their iPads. It would be sufficient if the apps that I am using were optimized for the iPads regarding touchable area, scroll etc.

That would mean minimal effort from Apple and only effort from app studios to make their app ready for "macOS on iPad". However, as Apple always tries to make the impression of a perfect company without flaws, they would never green light such a project without making the macOS UI ready for it. This however won't happen soon because the target group of people who can make use of macOS on their iPads is tiny.

So in short, Apple wouldn't have trouble doing so, but Apple is too "arrogant" to ever do this.

Minimal effort?

MacOS has a menubar with drop-down menus which all apps use, iPadOS doesn’t. There is no amount of effort from app studios which can add the MacOS menubar; each developer would have to custom create all that stuff which would a pretty severe rewrite and who is going to re-purchase all their desktop apps just to get a MacOS on iPad version? Beyond that, people who most want MacOS want Finder with Finder windows, not Stage Manager and the Files app, so this minimal effort from Apple would require also bringing the full finder to iPadOS.

MacOS isn’t happening on the iPad until Apple figures out how to make the experience of running both OSes smooth a seamless. And the answer is certainly not “Just let the app studios figure it out”.

Apple knows that its power users love complaining about anything which doesn’t precisely meet their needs which is why it isn’t arrogance that has prevented MacOS on the iPad so far.

#notactuallymacosgate

iPad would not have to run MacOS all the time. My perfect solution would be to leave MacOS as it is and only run on iPad when using keyboard, trackpad/mouse, and monitor, like when using Stage Manager. Revert to iPad OS when in tablet mode. That would be imho the best way to use MacOS on the iPad Pro. It should be easily possible. I mean I run both MacOS and Windows 11 on my Mac Mini. I also remote into both MacOS and Windows 11 on my M1 iPad Pro 11 when using a trackpad and keyboard with no problems at all. So instead of adjusting MacOS to a touch based OS, just use on iPad when in desktop mode and iPad OS when in tablet mode. I would love that!

I mean, if I can remote and use Windows 11 with my iPad Pro, it should be very easy to run MacOS on the iPad while in desktop mode. Starting with iPad OS 16 there is virtual memory swap now with up to 16 extra gb's of virtual memory available. On a 27 inch monitor, it looks even better.

macOS on iPad: After iPadOS 16, is it only a matter of time?

With virtual memory swap, a new window manager and more desktop-style features, is it inevitable that iPads will someday just run straight-up macOS?

www.xda-developers.com

Apple Patent Suggests Future iPad Could Transform Into macOS-Like Experience When Attached to a Keyboard

A new Apple patent has suggested that a future iPad or version of iPadOS could include the ability to transform the tablet into a macOS-like user...

www.macrumors.com

I converted my iPad into a Mac, and now I love it

I used Apple's Sidecar and Universal Control features to turn my iPad into a Mac, and now I love it.

www.digitaltrends.com

Apple rumored to be testing macOS for M2 iPad Pro | AppleInsider

A leaker has claimed that Apple is working on a version of macOS exclusive for the M2 iPad Pro, with it expected at some point in 2023.

appleinsider.com

 

[Surfsalot]

That case looks so awkward on the lap.

 

[bondr006]

That case looks so awkward on the lap.

Don't usually use it on my lap, but it works on my lap just fine. Just wanted to get a quick snap. Sitting in my recliner works well with it in my lap. A little tighter on a regular chair.

 

[slyronit]

iPad would not have to run MacOS all the time. My perfect solution would be to leave MacOS as it is and only run on iPad when using keyboard, trackpad/mouse, and monitor, like when using Stage Manager. Revert to iPad OS when in tablet mode. That would be imho the best way to use MacOS on the iPad Pro. It should be easily possible. I mean I run both MacOS and Windows 11 on my Mac Mini. I also remote into both MacOS and Windows 11 on my M1 iPad Pro 11 when using a trackpad and keyboard with no problems at all. So instead of adjusting MacOS to a touch based OS, just use on iPad when in desktop mode and iPad OS when in tablet mode. I would love that!

I mean, if I can remote and use Windows 11 with my iPad Pro, it should be very easy to run MacOS on the iPad while in desktop mode. Starting with iPad OS 16 there is virtual memory swap now with up to 16 extra gb's of virtual memory available. On a 27 inch monitor, it looks even better.
View attachment 2331440

macOS on iPad: After iPadOS 16, is it only a matter of time?

With virtual memory swap, a new window manager and more desktop-style features, is it inevitable that iPads will someday just run straight-up macOS?

www.xda-developers.com

Apple Patent Suggests Future iPad Could Transform Into macOS-Like Experience When Attached to a Keyboard

A new Apple patent has suggested that a future iPad or version of iPadOS could include the ability to transform the tablet into a macOS-like user...

www.macrumors.com

I converted my iPad into a Mac, and now I love it

I used Apple's Sidecar and Universal Control features to turn my iPad into a Mac, and now I love it.

www.digitaltrends.com

Apple rumored to be testing macOS for M2 iPad Pro | AppleInsider

A leaker has claimed that Apple is working on a version of macOS exclusive for the M2 iPad Pro, with it expected at some point in 2023.

appleinsider.com

Ew no..

 

[bondr006]

Ew no..

Always look forward to these reason filled, thought provoking responses.

 

[macfacts]

Apple isn't working on macOS on an iPad, they can't even figure out how to make a calculator for iPad.

 

[darngooddesign]

Apple isn't working on macOS on an iPad, they can't even figure out how to make a calculator for iPad.

CMD + Space, then type your equation, or download an app.

Would be hilarious if MacOS is the only way Apple puts a calculator on the iPad.

 

[bondr006]

Apple isn't working on macOS on an iPad, they can't even figure out how to make a calculator for iPad.

Would be hilarious if MacOS is the only way Apple puts a calculator on the iPad.

OMG! How many free calculators for iPad do there have to be on the app store before a calculator for the iPad isn't the top most important app request anymore? No one is stopping anyone from using a calculator on their iPad. Just install one of the great free one's already!

‎Calculator - Pad Edition

‎Designed to fill in for the missing calculator app on the iPad with simplicity and functionality. This app features the modern design of flat UI of iOS which look like original built-in app. Users can make basic calculation in portrait and handy scientific calculation in landscape. It...

apps.apple.com

‎Calculator for iPad - Free calc app

‎Free calculator app for the iPad that's large and easy to read. It's perfect to use for basic calculations. It can be used right away with its user-friendly controls.

apps.apple.com

‎Calculator for iPad!

‎Calculator for iPad is an easy to use, beautifully packaged calculator for your iPad or iPhone that includes both a standard and scientific calculator. Our versatile calculator app allows you to: • Customize the look of the application by changing the leather color and background texture...

apps.apple.com

‎Calculator for iPad +

‎Redefining the new generation of calculators for the iPad SUBSCRIPTION PRICING AND TERMS This calculator offers an auto-renewing subscription to provide you with unlimited access to the calculator. the price is $2.99/month for unlocking all content and features. This price is for United...

apps.apple.com

https://apps.apple.com/in/app/calculator/id398129933 - The one I use on iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch.

 

[macfacts]

OMG! How many free calculators for iPad do there have to be on the app store before a calculator for the iPad isn't the top most important app request anymore? No one is stopping anyone from using a calculator on their iPad. Just install one of the great free one's already!View attachment 2331782

‎Calculator - Pad Edition

‎Designed to fill in for the missing calculator app on the iPad with simplicity and functionality. This app features the modern design of flat UI of iOS which look like original built-in app. Users can make basic calculation in portrait and handy scientific calculation in landscape. It...

apps.apple.com

‎Calculator for iPad - Free calc app

‎Free calculator app for the iPad that's large and easy to read. It's perfect to use for basic calculations. It can be used right away with its user-friendly controls.

apps.apple.com

‎Calculator for iPad!

‎Calculator for iPad is an easy to use, beautifully packaged calculator for your iPad or iPhone that includes both a standard and scientific calculator. Our versatile calculator app allows you to: • Customize the look of the application by changing the leather color and background texture...

apps.apple.com

‎Calculator for iPad +

‎Redefining the new generation of calculators for the iPad SUBSCRIPTION PRICING AND TERMS This calculator offers an auto-renewing subscription to provide you with unlimited access to the calculator. the price is $2.99/month for unlocking all content and features. This price is for United...

apps.apple.com

https://apps.apple.com/in/app/calculator/id398129933 - The one I use

It's still one more step, like having to install a 3rd party messaging app to have encrypted or feature full group messages with android users.
Edit: lame it doesn't show the in app subscription/purchase price without installing first.

 

[sparksd]

OMG! How many free calculators for iPad do there have to be on the app store before a calculator for the iPad isn't the top most important app request anymore? No one is stopping anyone from using a calculator on their iPad. Just install one of the great free one's already!View attachment 2331782

‎Calculator - Pad Edition

‎Designed to fill in for the missing calculator app on the iPad with simplicity and functionality. This app features the modern design of flat UI of iOS which look like original built-in app. Users can make basic calculation in portrait and handy scientific calculation in landscape. It...

apps.apple.com

‎Calculator for iPad - Free calc app

‎Free calculator app for the iPad that's large and easy to read. It's perfect to use for basic calculations. It can be used right away with its user-friendly controls.

apps.apple.com

‎Calculator for iPad!

‎Calculator for iPad is an easy to use, beautifully packaged calculator for your iPad or iPhone that includes both a standard and scientific calculator. Our versatile calculator app allows you to: • Customize the look of the application by changing the leather color and background texture...

apps.apple.com

‎Calculator for iPad +

‎Redefining the new generation of calculators for the iPad SUBSCRIPTION PRICING AND TERMS This calculator offers an auto-renewing subscription to provide you with unlimited access to the calculator. the price is $2.99/month for unlocking all content and features. This price is for United...

apps.apple.com

https://apps.apple.com/in/app/calculator/id398129933 - The one I use

This issue has always been in the I-could-care-less category, a nitpick. I paid for a good calculator - a couple, actually - and got what I wanted for a relatively cheap price. Easy, nothing hard or burdensome about it.

 

[bondr006]

It's still one more step, like having to install a 3rd party messaging app to have encrypted or feature full group messages with android users.
Edit: lame it doesn't show the in app subscription/purchase price without installing first.

I guess I'll just have to accept the "fact" that my iPad Pro is useless for the lack of a native calculator.

Like you said, it's ONLY ONE MORE STEP never to be done again for the whole life of your iPad.

@macfacts

 

[blairh]

It's a shame we still can't get an Apple device that runs iPadOS and then can convert to macOS when docked to a keyboard. That would be a killer device.

iPadOS is still inferior to macOS IMO.

A laptop replacement iPad would have to be 13" for me personally. And at that size the iPad IMO is currently way too big and heavy to use comfortably as a tablet when not docked to a keyboard. If Apple could ever get that size down to say 1 lb then it would be interesting.

 

[bondr006]

It's a shame we still can't get an Apple device that runs iPadOS and then can convert to macOS when docked to a keyboard. That would be a killer device.

iPadOS is still inferior to macOS IMO.

A laptop replacement iPad would have to be 13" for me personally. And at that size the iPad IMO is currently way too big and heavy to use comfortably as a tablet when not docked to a keyboard. If Apple could ever get that size down to say 1 lb then it would be interesting.

Someone else really likes this idea also

iPad as a laptop replacement

iPad would not have to run MacOS all the time. My perfect solution would be to leave MacOS as it is and only run on iPad when using keyboard, trackpad/mouse, and monitor, like when using Stage Manager. Revert to iPad OS when in tablet mode. That would be imho the best way to use MacOS on the...

forums.macrumors.com

Someone else doesn't

iPad as a laptop replacement

Ew no..

forums.macrumors.com

 

[burb15]

Minimal effort?

MacOS has a menubar with drop-down menus which all apps use, iPadOS doesn’t. There is no amount of effort from app studios which can add the MacOS menubar; each developer would have to custom create all that stuff which would a pretty severe rewrite

I said minimal effort for Apple.

The app studios would have to re-think button size and yes a menu bar replacement but you act like this is rocket science. Personally I wouldn't even need any adaption from app studios at all; the few apps that I'd enjoy on my iPad work on low resolution screens (therefore fairly large buttons) and that would be infinitely times better than what I have now (which is nothing).

You also mention finder windows, that would be literally the last concern I ever had if I was able to run macOS on my iPad, like I couldn't care less how finder looks and feels. If I wanna do extensive and precise drag & drop I'd put a mouse to it, and for 99% of the other situations a 1.5 or 2x zoom would make finder touchable enough for basic operations - idk what you are doing all day but it's not like I spend 8 hours a day moving files around.

 

[Abazigal]

It's a shame we still can't get an Apple device that runs iPadOS and then can convert to macOS when docked to a keyboard. That would be a killer device.

iPadOS is still inferior to macOS IMO.

A laptop replacement iPad would have to be 13" for me personally. And at that size the iPad IMO is currently way too big and heavy to use comfortably as a tablet when not docked to a keyboard. If Apple could ever get that size down to say 1 lb then it would be interesting.

I am not certain the implementation would be that straightforward or seamless, unless you are talking about dual-booting.

For one, some apps behave different between iOS and macOS, or simply aren't available on all platforms. What happens if I am composing a message in tapatalk on my iPad and then dock it to get macOS, where said app isn't available? Or if I am editing a video in Final Cut Pro in "Mac mode" but don't have said app on my iPad?

A lot of kinks that need to be worked out first, IMO.

 

[jdb8167]

I am not certain the implementation would be that straightforward or seamless, unless you are talking about dual-booting.

For one, some apps behave different between iOS and macOS, or simply aren't available on all platforms. What happens if I am composing a message in tapatalk on my iPad and then dock it to get macOS, where said app isn't available? Or if I am editing a video in Final Cut Pro in "Mac mode" but don't have said app on my iPad?

A lot of kinks that need to be worked out first, IMO.

Nah, just run macOS as a separate app using a virtual machine. Pretty easy to do with no conflicts with iPad apps. Apple already has the macOS VM working on Apple silicon.

 

[Surfsalot]

Because of a 6 hour power outage yesterday, and having to use my 11" M1 iPad all day instead of my 24" iMac, no way would I call it a Mac replacement lol
Looking at a MacBook now.

 

[jm31828]

Nah, just run macOS as a separate app using a virtual machine. Pretty easy to do with no conflicts with iPad apps. Apple already has the macOS VM working on Apple silicon.

I'll have to look into this! I am a bit dense on some of this- are there apps you can get through the app store that would let you build virtual machines- and within which you could install MacOS? Or do you have to jailbreak the iPad to be able to do this?

 

[prospervic]

Because of a 6 hour power outage yesterday, and having to use my 11" M1 iPad all day instead of my 24" iMac, no way would I call it a Mac replacement lol
Looking at a MacBook now.

As I've said in many MR threads, iPad (even the Pro) is a laptop substitute, not a full-on replacement any more than a motorcycle is a replacement for a car (for most people).

I'm amazed how long this forum has been going on hashing out the pros and cons of what, at its core, is a fanciful notion.

 

[jdb8167]

I'll have to look into this! I am a bit dense on some of this- are there apps you can get through the app store that would let you build virtual machines- and within which you could install MacOS? Or do you have to jailbreak the iPad to be able to do this?

You’d have to look Mac. Apple turns off virtual machine support on iPads. But Apple silicon supports it. It just takes Apple to decide to support it on iPadOS. Jailbreaking is unlikley to help since Apple disables it on boot.

 

[ouruniverse06131986]

OMG! How many free calculators for iPad do there have to be on the app store before a calculator for the iPad isn't the top most important app request anymore? No one is stopping anyone from using a calculator on their iPad. Just install one of the great free one's already!View attachment 2331782

‎Calculator - Pad Edition

‎Designed to fill in for the missing calculator app on the iPad with simplicity and functionality. This app features the modern design of flat UI of iOS which look like original built-in app. Users can make basic calculation in portrait and handy scientific calculation in landscape. It...

apps.apple.com

‎Calculator for iPad - Free calc app

‎Free calculator app for the iPad that's large and easy to read. It's perfect to use for basic calculations. It can be used right away with its user-friendly controls.

apps.apple.com

‎Calculator for iPad!

‎Calculator for iPad is an easy to use, beautifully packaged calculator for your iPad or iPhone that includes both a standard and scientific calculator. Our versatile calculator app allows you to: • Customize the look of the application by changing the leather color and background texture...

apps.apple.com

‎Calculator for iPad +

‎Redefining the new generation of calculators for the iPad SUBSCRIPTION PRICING AND TERMS This calculator offers an auto-renewing subscription to provide you with unlimited access to the calculator. the price is $2.99/month for unlocking all content and features. This price is for United...

apps.apple.com

https://apps.apple.com/in/app/calculator/id398129933 - The one I use on iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch.

Exactly

 

[JohannesO]

iPad would not have to run MacOS all the time. My perfect solution would be to leave MacOS as it is and only run on iPad when using keyboard, trackpad/mouse, and monitor, like when using Stage Manager. Revert to iPad OS when in tablet mode. That would be imho the best way to use MacOS on the iPad Pro. It should be easily possible. I mean I run both MacOS and Windows 11 on my Mac Mini. I also remote into both MacOS and Windows 11 on my M1 iPad Pro 11 when using a trackpad and keyboard with no problems at all. So instead of adjusting MacOS to a touch based OS, just use on iPad when in desktop mode and iPad OS when in tablet mode. I would love that!

I mean, if I can remote and use Windows 11 with my iPad Pro, it should be very easy to run MacOS on the iPad while in desktop mode. Starting with iPad OS 16 there is virtual memory swap now with up to 16 extra gb's of virtual memory available. On a 27 inch monitor, it looks even better.
View attachment 2331440

macOS on iPad: After iPadOS 16, is it only a matter of time?

With virtual memory swap, a new window manager and more desktop-style features, is it inevitable that iPads will someday just run straight-up macOS?

www.xda-developers.com

Apple Patent Suggests Future iPad Could Transform Into macOS-Like Experience When Attached to a Keyboard

A new Apple patent has suggested that a future iPad or version of iPadOS could include the ability to transform the tablet into a macOS-like user...

www.macrumors.com

I converted my iPad into a Mac, and now I love it

I used Apple's Sidecar and Universal Control features to turn my iPad into a Mac, and now I love it.

www.digitaltrends.com

Apple rumored to be testing macOS for M2 iPad Pro | AppleInsider

A leaker has claimed that Apple is working on a version of macOS exclusive for the M2 iPad Pro, with it expected at some point in 2023.

appleinsider.com

 

[darngooddesign]

Instead of requiring a specific new iPad, I think Apple would more likely require a 1TB M# iPad so you would have 8GB for iPadOS and 8GB for MacOS. That might also mean that the 512GB M3 iPP has, or is available with, 16GB RAM at a higher upgrade cost than the current 8/512GB version.