iPad as a laptop replacement

[Abazigal]

Anyone else considering selling their Mac now? My MacBook Air is already very rarely used (mostly just booted it up to mirror my iPhone for journaling with a proper keyboard, I guess I don't really need to do that anymore). I don’t really see myself doing much more than I could do on iPadOS 18, but just having these new multitasking options makes the iPad a much better product in my opinion. I know its still no where as capable as a Mac, but it's been more than enough for me for the last ten years already.

I still don't see my Mac or my iPad replacing each other. I foresee some nice little conveniences when I am using my iPad at work (eg: pinning folders for quick access to documents, preview replaces the borked pdf annotation feature in files which hasn't be working since I got my M4 iPad Pro, and I suppose having the phone and journal apps come to the iPad is always welcome.

But the work I am currently doing on a laptop, I will probably still continue to do that on one. Nothing much will change in this regard.

 

[whitestar27]

I also don't have any plans to sell my Mac, in fact I'm considering getting a newer Mac mini to replace the one I have now. It can be a dedicated 'big screen photo and video editing machine' and literally everything else will happen on the iPad (at least when I buy one that can run the current OS) - the new OS changes will allow me to finally have the iPad as my main portable machine, something I can't currently do, and dedicate the Mac to things it's better at doing

 

[Webcat86]

The one (albeit niche) time I need two sources is when playing guitar. I plug a guitar into an audio interface and play along to songs from a playlist in Music on my Mac - would love to be able to do that on my iPad.

As a workaround you could download MP3’s and import them into GarageBand. I do GB playback a lot and that would count as one audio source

 

[Webcat86]

If they would just add Smart Albums to Photos on iPad I could give it a little more thought.

Yes!

 

[xxFoxtail]

I still don't see my Mac or my iPad replacing each other. I foresee some nice little conveniences when I am using my iPad at work (eg: pinning folders for quick access to documents, preview replaces the borked pdf annotation feature in files which hasn't be working since I got my M4 iPad Pro, and I suppose having the phone and journal apps come to the iPad is always welcome.

But the work I am currently doing on a laptop, I will probably still continue to do that on one. Nothing much will change in this regard.

I think I agree with you now too. The new multitasking features are nice, but it still feels a little off compared to a traditional desktop. I can’t really explain it, but it sort of makes me feel a bit claustrophobic in a weird way. Like the iPad is trying to do too much (with more open windows, the menu bar, stages, the dock, etc) with little screen space on the 11" display. And connected to an external display, it just feels like it isn't taking advantage of it properly. Like, why can’t I have widgets, apps or files on the desktop, or an always-on menu bar?

The Mac balances this all out a lot better. Even remote connected to it from my iPad, it feels right. I decided to try the macOS 26 beta on my MBA M2, works fine and I decided to keep it out of storage and use it regularly again. Set up so I can remote connect to it when I need to.

 

[DaniTheFox]

It is uncertain whether we should discuss the term “replacement.” An iPad occasionally costs less than $300. A keyboard with trackpad (or mouse) can cost approximately $150. An iPad Air combination would be $200 more expensive. However, it is still potentially $200 less expensive than the cheapest MacBook Air. The MacBook Air, on the other hand, features an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and more memory. Consequently, an iPad should be regarded more as an “entry-level” device for individuals (such as myself) who are satisfied with the minor shortcomings in hardware and software.

 

[Ultracyclist]

It is uncertain whether we should discuss the term “replacement.” An iPad occasionally costs less than $300. A keyboard with trackpad (or mouse) can cost approximately $150. An iPad Air combination would be $200 more expensive. However, it is still potentially $200 less expensive than the cheapest MacBook Air. The MacBook Air, on the other hand, features an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and more memory. Consequently, an iPad should be regarded more as an “entry-level” device for individuals (such as myself) who are satisfied with the minor shortcomings in hardware and software.

I think it is a legit question. Although as a lawyer I’d say it will alway depend on your specific needs.
But in general the question if an iPad can replace a laptop should be answered with a yes.

Most common computer task can be done with an iPad. Clear as day.
About the cost of an iPad and keyboard case we can agree that the prizes differ between versions and types. But Indeed the cost of an iPad at $300,- and even a decent AilExpress keyboard at $40,- is amazingly low. That by itself self doesn’t make it a replacement, but its at least something to consider.

If I look at myself: studying law, playing games, editing video, podcast and photo’s and doing my every day job on an iPad only, I can say it has done so for the last 3 years (iPadOS 16 beta 2.

The debat has often been hijacked by Mac supporters claiming that a quad isn’t up to speed with their 700Hp sportscar. And we all agree, but I have seen quads on the road, not so fast, but they can do it. I have yet to see that same sportscar get around a muddy and sandy field.

The iPad can replace the laptop and still also be a tablet. I have yet to see an apple laptop that is also something other than that.

If ever again someone says it can’t be done I’ll react with a simple but very effective saying in Rotterdam, NL (near where I live):
Oh ja joh! (Loosely translated it means: Is that so?)

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7510240752870378785

 

[Kal Madda]

I think it is a legit question. Although as a lawyer I’d say it will alway depend on your specific needs.
But in general the question if an iPad can replace a laptop should be answered with a yes.

Most common computer task can be done with an iPad. Clear as day.
About the cost of an iPad and keyboard case we can agree that the prizes differ between versions and types. But Indeed the cost of an iPad at $300,- and even a decent AilExpress keyboard at $40,- is amazingly low. That by itself self doesn’t make it a replacement, but its at least something to consider.

If I look at myself: studying law, playing games, editing video, podcast and photo’s and doing my every day job on an iPad only, I can say it has done so for the last 3 years (iPadOS 16 beta 2.

The debat has often been hijacked by Mac supporters claiming that a quad isn’t up to speed with their 700Hp sportscar. And we all agree, but I have seen quads on the road, not so fast, but they can do it. I have yet to see that same sportscar get around a muddy and sandy field.

The iPad can replace the laptop and still also be a tablet. I have yet to see an apple laptop that is also something other than that.

If ever again someone says it can’t be done I’ll react with a simple but very effective saying in Rotterdam, NL (near where I live):
Oh ja joh! (Loosely translated it means: Is that so?)

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7510240752870378785

Very good points. For some things, like code development, a Mac is probably better (though there are some great coding apps on the iPad, and that is something that’s improving quite a bit as more app developers bring more coding apps to the platform). But for many others, the iPad is the clear winner. Ultimately, it depends on what someone wants or needs from their computer, what they’re doing with it (are they a game developer that needs high performance, an artist who needs a portable canvas, or some workflow in between?). For some, the better option is a Mac, for others an iPad, and yet for other users, their ideal setup uses both. It’s very dependent on individual expectations and needs. It’s kind of like asking “can a Big Mac replace a Whopper?” Sure, it could, they’re both burgers, but that doesn’t mean they taste the same or will satisfy people the same way.

Also, another factor that really doesn’t have much to do with the OS that many don’t consider in this debate is app selection. For me, I couldn’t really move my workflow to Windows or Linux, because they lack the apps I use on a regular basis (and even macOS would involve tons of compromises and slow-downs in productivity, because many of the apps I use are actually better on the iPad than on the Mac). So for me, macOS, Windows and Linux couldn’t really replace iPadOS in my workflow.

This iPadOS 26 update really levels the playing field though, and allows iPadOS to shine. It perfectly balances the simplicity that makes iPadOS what it is, while adding full desktop-class multi-windowing and more system functionality. I think iPadOS is in a really good position, and as more third-party app developers take advantage of iPadOS, I think we’re really going to see iPadOS surge! 👍🏻

 

[Ludatyk]

While using iPadOS 26 decided to test out external support for it…. I keep my monitor above the iPad and I realized that the menu bar cannot be used in this manner. Because when I hover the mouse above… it doesn’t summon the menu bar.

Technically, I can use the menu bar… but only through the external monitor while have an active app on the monitor, not the iPad. And holding down the globe key… doesn’t provide helpful hints to keyboard shortcuts like it previously did before.

 

[Kal Madda]

While using iPadOS 26 decided to test out external support for it…. I keep my monitor above the iPad and I realized that the menu bar cannot be used in this manner. Because when I hover the mouse above… it doesn’t summon the menu bar.

Technically, I can use the menu bar… but only through the external monitor while have an active app on the monitor, not the iPad. And holding down the globe key… doesn’t provide helpful hints to keyboard shortcuts like it previously did before.

I have my iPad setup the same way. A swipe down at the top middle of the screen surfaces the Menu Bar on the iPad’s display. This also works when using the iPad by itself without a cursor. 👍🏻

 

[Rogifan]

This article in Fast Company is complaining that Apple turned the iPad into a Mac. Reading it I’m not exactly sure what the author wants the iPad to be. I guess some AI device with a big screen?

“It wasn’t until the iPhone and touchscreens that Raskin’s idea materialized thanks to apps that turned to the phone into a “specialize device” for each task. Later, the iPad became the ultimate expression of that powerful idea. It embodied Raskin’s core philosophy: an immersive device focused and modal, that could transform instantly into the tool you needed—a sketchpad, a typewriter, a comic book reader, a video editor. Billions of people around the planet instantly got it. One app, full screen, your mind uncluttered. The complexity was hidden; its purpose was clear.“

“Maybe the iPad should have gone totally away from the Mac and doubled down on AI. Maybe the iPad was already in the right place to become the true future of computing. It was a blank canvas. The right opportunity to reimagine computing around AI, to make it useful in a more natural way that is not constrained by the size of the iPhone (which I still think is the only true AI device, just too small to be useful for many things).

And no, I don’t know what that looks like. That’s why Apple’s UX designers get paid. What I do know is Apple might have squandered its chance to create a completely new AI-based computer user experience.”

I don’t get the angst because if someone wants to use the iPad with a single app on the screen at a time they can. Nobody has to use it like a Mac if they don’t want to. And whatever AI comes to iPhone will also come to iPad. Honestly, the iPad is only more complex if you want it to be.

 

[Ludatyk]

I have my iPad setup the same way. A swipe down at the top middle of the screen surfaces the Menu Bar on the iPad’s display. This also works when using the iPad by itself without a cursor. 👍🏻

Swipe down at the top middle of the screen? So... you are clicking the top middle and swiping down?

And I don't really use touch input when the iPad is connected to an external monitor.

 

[Kal Madda]

Swipe down at the top middle of the screen? So... you are clicking the top middle and swiping down?

And I don't really use touch input when the iPad is connected to an external monitor.

No, I haven’t been clicking, just swiping with my finger. But I guess with the stand you’re using, it isn’t as close. I wonder if there’s a keyboard shortcut to surface it? I’ll have to look into it. 👍🏻

PS. Does Globe M work?

PS, just got a chance to try Globe M, and it does, in fact, work! 👍🏻

 

[Webcat86]

This article in Fast Company is complaining that Apple turned the iPad into a Mac. Reading it I’m not exactly sure what the author wants the iPad to be. I guess some AI device with a big screen?





I don’t get the angst because if someone wants to use the iPad with a single app on the screen at a time they can. Nobody has to use it like a Mac if they don’t want to. And whatever AI comes to iPhone will also come to iPad. Honestly, the iPad is only more complex if you want it to be.

I have to chuckle at articles like this. It’s just such absolute ********.

Apple has received criticism for years over the software limitations of the iPad, and these rightfully intensified last year given the performance of the M4. Now they’ve done what everyone asked for and they’re getting criticism for “squandering a chance” to make a device that even the author wishing for it can’t conceive of what it would actually be.

 

[1BadManVan]

I'm definitely interested in this for my M1 ipad air. I have an m2 macbook air at home but i pack my ipad with the magic keyboard with me when im at work since it fits in the front pocket of my lunch bag just perfectly. It would be awesome to have a more proper laptop experience with it.

 

[MasterNivek]

Kind of funny to see menus, real windowing and even usable cursors coming to iPadOS when we were told over and over how they weren't needed in a touch based OS and would ruin it.

I think peoples habits, needs and wants changed over time. Back then, I would agree with Apple and thought it was silly and they served two different purposes. Now, I'm only a personal finance app away on needing an iPad only for personal use. I can even do 90% of my work on an iPad, which I still use and need a MBP However, it's nice to know if I want go light and be portable while traveling, I can get it done with my 12.9 Cellular iPad Pro M1. I'm loving these new additions! The iPad is a great AIO device that can be used from media consumption to work.

 

[RustyFox]

Hello all, new to this thread. I've been dreaming of using iPad only (i.e. it replacing my MacBook) for years, so iPadOS 26 has got me really interested.

How stable are people finding the beta? I'm debating giving it a go and seeing if I can ditch the Mac. iPad isn't my main device at the moment hence debating it.

Am I right in thinking also that if I try the beta and want to revert I can just restore my iPad to the last backup before installing the beta?

 

[MagicHAM]

It could be suitable replacement for on the road stuff , to take some of my work , with the window management and a much more better file app , it definitely will be used more for work on the road. Having the mouse courser is great too. For the fact that Apple is supporting iOS26 on my 3rd generation IPad 12.9 is a suppose. Having access to the menu bar at the top for most apps is great.

 

[Ultracyclist]

Hello all, new to this thread. I've been dreaming of using iPad only (i.e. it replacing my MacBook) for years, so iPadOS 26 has got me really interested.

How stable are people finding the beta? I'm debating giving it a go and seeing if I can ditch the Mac. iPad isn't my main device at the moment hence debating it.

Am I right in thinking also that if I try the beta and want to revert I can just restore my iPad to the last backup before installing the beta?

It’s a beta. It’s the first beta.

It crashes, it respings as a first beta is supposed to do.

Just wait at least for the public beta if you are new to all of this.

 

[RustyFox]

It’s a beta. It’s the first beta.

It crashes, it respings as a first beta is supposed to do.

Just wait at least for the public beta if you are new to all of this.

Thank you

 

[bondr006]

Hello all, new to this thread. I've been dreaming of using iPad only (i.e. it replacing my MacBook) for years, so iPadOS 26 has got me really interested.

How stable are people finding the beta? I'm debating giving it a go and seeing if I can ditch the Mac. iPad isn't my main device at the moment hence debating it.

Am I right in thinking also that if I try the beta and want to revert I can just restore my iPad to the last backup before installing the beta?

It’s a beta. It’s the first beta.

It crashes, it respings as a first beta is supposed to do.

Just wait at least for the public beta if you are new to all of this.

Thank you

I've had an iPad since the first one, and have used my M1 iPad Pro in place of a MBP for the mobile side of my real estate and property management business since Nov. 2021, and even I'm waiting till next month to instal the public beta. This is excellent advice from @Ultracyclist! Plus, it gives Apple another month to bake iPad OS a little more.😉

 

[Ludatyk]

Another nugget to share on iPadOS 26… Files app mimics the Finder app when using mouse input in which you have to double click on a folder to open it previously you click it opens (similar to using touch input whereas tapping opens).

My file manager of choice is still FileBrowser… but I often use Files app to manage files from various apps.