In order to compare any macbook vs an ipad, including the price of the magic keyboard is required, as any macbook includes said keyboard. The only reason you would compare an ipad to a macbook in the first place is the intention of you using an ipad in a similar fashion, which necessitates the accompanying trackpad/keyboard.
So yes, the macbook air AND macbook pro is cheaper than an ipad pro.
Firstly, people who type fast normally do not look at the keyboard, which is why many like a good feeling keyboard. Which is why computer makers, even Apple, consider key action an important part of the technology. That leaves typing on the iPad's screen a far inferior experience and capability.
Just wondering though, does an iPad work with any old bluetooth keyboard? I am just wondering ...
Obviously if Apple allowed mac OS to work on an iPad, no one would be worrying. And people would likely buy the 1TB version to so they could format the drive into mac OS and IOS partitions. And then they'd also get the 16 GB or RAM which would assist mac OS.
OK then get the keyboard, 1 TB of drive, a pencil, anti reflexion screen and the cell version. $2,677.
MacBook Pro 16" with 18/1TB costs $22 dollars more.
MacBook Pro 14" 16/1TB, for $1,999 we're $678 in front.
MacBook Air with 16/1TB is $1,699 - $1,022 in front. Sheesh - add an iPad Pro one is still in front.
So really, Apple would still make a lot of money selling an iPad with a keyboard that could run both macOS and IOS. They get sales from Windows users who like a touch panel convertible computer, they could run a virtual Windows in macOS for those special Win apps. Apple would make probably more money from Mac users who decided not to buy a MacBook and instead bought the top spec iPads.
The thing that hurts this analysis is the cheaper 13" iPad Air. If people bought that instead then Apple might make less money. But then shouldn't Apple be customer focused? Lots of us want to be able to run macOS on a tablet.