It's been a long time rumor that apple would eventually merge the two. If it does happen what freedoms would it cost mac user... will everything be Mac Store only and locked down? I have a few friends who are frustrated with Apple and Microsoft's decision and have been playing to move to linux if it becomes worst... what do you think?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
OS X + iOS
- Thread starter ajvizzgamer101
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Might happen if they decide to switch to Arm processors. The only freedom I think might be lack of compatibility with windows (e.g.: inability to bootcamp?). So the drawback for me would be loss of windows games.
Yeah, Apple may do that in the end. I don't know if it will lose compatibility with Windows, because Microsoft may do the same move (there's already Windows RT, for ARM).
As of right now, I don't mind Apple's approach. I understand that from version to version, Apple has decided to change or remove stuff that veteran OS X users are accustomed to but I do appreciate that the core OS is still there but they've added iOS features but you don't have to use them (Launch Pad, Notifications).
As for Microsoft, I'm sure if I actually sat down and just played with Windows 8, I'd get used to it but just from using it for a day, you feel that Windows 8 was meant for a tablet or that's what it's focus is from the way it navigates. It's quite a contrast from Apple's approach. One thing I do like is the like is the live tiles, quick information and I think is better than Apple's widgets.
As for Microsoft, I'm sure if I actually sat down and just played with Windows 8, I'd get used to it but just from using it for a day, you feel that Windows 8 was meant for a tablet or that's what it's focus is from the way it navigates. It's quite a contrast from Apple's approach. One thing I do like is the like is the live tiles, quick information and I think is better than Apple's widgets.
As iOS and OSX slowly merge
I don't think many people will argue that iOS and OSX are on a collision course. Maybe not in the next 2-3 years, but eventually, they will unite or at least heavily borrow features from one another.
And this concerns me a bit. iOS is super locked down. I would not want such restrictions on a desktop environment.
I mean look what Apple did to background audio. It used to work fine, and then they disabled it. Supposedly from the pressures of media owners.
Imagine having your browser open on a desktop and when you minimize it, or switch the tab, video stops.
Would you accept such an OS for your desktop?
I don't think many people will argue that iOS and OSX are on a collision course. Maybe not in the next 2-3 years, but eventually, they will unite or at least heavily borrow features from one another.
And this concerns me a bit. iOS is super locked down. I would not want such restrictions on a desktop environment.
I mean look what Apple did to background audio. It used to work fine, and then they disabled it. Supposedly from the pressures of media owners.
Imagine having your browser open on a desktop and when you minimize it, or switch the tab, video stops.
Would you accept such an OS for your desktop?
LOL! Then Apple better figure out how to plug up all the USB, Thunderbolt, and Card Reader ports on their machines.
Yeah, because that will be better. We can all go over to LinuxRumors.
Seriously. You are going to see much more eye-candy being ported over from iOS but the standalone functionality of OSX will still be there. (Tim Cook said as much).
I don't think people who spread these rumours really understand what they are saying.
As others have said OS X and iOS will both align and diverge at every release. Both will have unique features both will bring features from one to another.
Look at all Apple's product lines they have both a high and low, maybe fight or flight versions is a better analogy, in most product families (iPhone the most notable exception). The OS's are the same high/low, OS X allows them to push ideas that might need the brute force to start with than refine, while iOS team pushes efficiency as it's prime motivation. Both allowing an idea to start small and useful then reiterated till mature.
There will always be technologies and ideas pulling each OS in different directions until they that idea is mature enough to be usable for both. So maybe they'll never merge, but they'll always be aligning.
As others have said OS X and iOS will both align and diverge at every release. Both will have unique features both will bring features from one to another.
Look at all Apple's product lines they have both a high and low, maybe fight or flight versions is a better analogy, in most product families (iPhone the most notable exception). The OS's are the same high/low, OS X allows them to push ideas that might need the brute force to start with than refine, while iOS team pushes efficiency as it's prime motivation. Both allowing an idea to start small and useful then reiterated till mature.
There will always be technologies and ideas pulling each OS in different directions until they that idea is mature enough to be usable for both. So maybe they'll never merge, but they'll always be aligning.