iPad The iPad is not for traditional Mac users

[PandaPunch]

The problem is conceptual. When they hear ”Proffesional”, a lot of people think like this:
View attachment 1995795Moving upwards in this hierarchy is extremely difficult with a touch-based OS. Since the threshold for a lot of people is low, an iPad can replace a PC for a lot of them (even a phone, and no one asks why the iPhone doesn’t become a Mac). It even improves a bit by each generation, but that’s not the main point.

The iPad excels in fields that are outside this hierarchy (even create them), such as construction, medical, flight, illustration… which are as profesional as the ones mentioned above. That’s why some of you see LiDAR as a gimmicky, when it really opens up much more proffesional oportunities (in AR) than, let’s say, DeX.

But I’m surprised that we’re still discussing things like “is Apple going to bring macOS to iPad” when, like it or not, they’ve been clear about their concept since 2010. And that’s a core value of Apple: what’s not on a product is as important as what is included.

In summary, the problem is not that Apple is not progressing in the proffesional range; is that we’re talking about different proffesional ranges. And I work in one of those traditional fields, but I know that a tablet that handles it good is not feasible (tabletPCs have showed it). The Mac Tablet some people want is a much more boring concept and less useful than an iPad.

I used to work in a home improvement store, often helping customers with their flooring. And I agree, based on my experience with the iPad and Pencil, that would've been more useful than the "traditional" PCs we used in terms of drawing out a floor plan, writing notes about what a customer would want and need, showing them the contract and having them sign. I agree with this, things like desktop modes or other things wouldn't be helpful at all. And I've seen surgeons and doctors who would've easily benefitted from an iPad rather than a laptop.

I legit like the simplicity of the iPad. And it seems to lead very well into certain fields as you said.

 

[maternidad]

Apple and Google spend billions each year to make iOS and Android extremely efficient and as robust as possible. iPadOS is not as capable as MacOS but iPadOS has more refined animations, gestures, UI, etc. I need my Mac for work but I always miss my iPad when I use a Mac. I always get a dopamine rush when using and interacting with iPadOS. MacOS is much more stale and "stiff".

That is exactly right. iPadOS is a joy to use. I would hate it if it got scrapped for modified macOS. Thankfully that is never going to happen.

 

[XIO[-]OIX]

… Innovation didn’t stifle because Jobs and Ive aren’t at Apple anymore ?
Why was there innovation (at Apple) in the first place? Because some people saw opportunities, markets and solutions where others didn’t. These opportunities have been mostly used and passed, the markets are well known and the solutions aren’t necessarily timely anymore. But all of them are definitely not new.
Look, you say Apple doesn’t know where to go anymore. That’s obviously not true. Look at M1, AR glasses or their Titan project (rumours).
And if there were (significant) different ways to go, you better believe that their competition (Samsung, Google, Huawei mostly) would go those ways. But they don’t. Cause there are none.
And you’re talking about times when stuff still could be new. Those have passed as well.
The iPhone will never be invented or introduced again. Nor the iPad.
Or Apple Watch. Or iPod. Or GUI. Or Mouse.
Times change. So should your expectations.

Oh, it makes sence now. So its the end of inovation - we have reached this civilisational platou - no more will creative smart people be able to combine before unseen artefacts to create something truly new and unseen before.

okay. good to know we are there now.
better correct my expectations from humanity!

 

[XIO[-]OIX]

Which is rather stupid. Apple should always favor ipad sales. It’s much more profitable. Throwing macOS on an iPad is a nobrainer.

its not because it would make ipad unusable. dont you realise that? MacOS is not touch friendly in the lesat.

 

[XIO[-]OIX]

Surely, there is the Studio Display, but I hope that was an exception.

Why?

 

[XIO[-]OIX]

Except that the Mac and the iPad are not both trucks. Comparing the Mac to a truck and the iPad to a sedan is referencing how they are designed very different on a hardware level. When you buy an iPad, it's software and hardware is designed with the understanding you don't have a keyboard and mouse or even the Apple Pencil. A lot of the iPad's limitations are from it's form factor. The iPad has only one port, and depending on the iPad between 3-4 buttons and sometimes a toggle switch.

Compared to the Mac, where even the Mac Mini requires a keyboard and mouse and the software is designed with a keyboard and mouse meaning it's less restricted because you literally have 100+ buttons, a precise pointer tool with a wheel or a trackpad, plus ports to plug in other input devices like music devices/mics/drawing tablets/whatever.

Not denying the iPad is lacking in some ways but the form factor of the Mac and iPad is a very big difference that isn't just Apple trying to prevent the iPad from cannibalizing the Mac.

100%

 

[Digitalguy]

its not because it would make ipad unusable. dont you realise that? MacOS is not touch friendly in the lesat.

MacOS instead of iPadOS, sure. In addition to it as an option (with keyboard connected and/or on external display), that's a different story....

 

[PandaPunch]

Just quickly a couple of major ones:
- Extended monitor support (= desktop mode on external monitor)
- Ability to choose default apps by file type in the file apps
- Solving issues with corrupting exfat drives
- Ability to prevent iPadOS for ejecting certains apps from RAM (and/or giving me a low RAM warning if that is necessary)


And some less critical but still useful ones:
- Option to have a more Mac-like dock (with more apps and more recent apps, even if it takes 2 lines in portrait mode)
- Option to have horizontal split screen or even resizable windowed apps


And there there are a couple more but that might be tecnically hard to implement or not really iPadOS features such as
- ability for develop to create a full desktop browsers with extentions like on MacOS or ChromeOS (or Windows)
- improving Sidecar by adding touch, trackpad support (both things work with third party solutions) and sound

(All of the above are possible on (the less powerful) Samung flagships other than the full desktop browser and a MacOS like dock)

Okay, I understand. I've never personally wanted monitor support for the iPad. In my current living situation, I have Rokus that support AirPlay. So if I needed to show someone a picture/video on a tv that is an option. Plus, my monitors are already being used by my desktops. I'm also very biased, I don't really care to hook up a laptop to a monitor at this point, either.

On the second point, this is more of a result of how file management used to be, but I'm used to apps that make a server i can access on a desktop browser and send files that way, like the comic book reader app Chunky. I also tend to use the default apps, but I have seen this problem with certain apps on my brother's iPad but he uses a lot of random apps compared to me. This does need to be fixed.

Third point is something I've never experienced, since I either access Google Drive/iCloud/OneDrive or I send files through AirDrop/app based server.

I guess the fourth one would be useful. Though at least in my experience, my most used apps usually stay open with no issue.

The dock thing is very subjective, but the macOS and iPadOS docks feel extremely similar to me, App Library feels an awful like Launchpad. And with horizontal split screen, that sounds like the information would be really cramped, but maybe that isn't as much as a problem on the Pros.

I'll admit, these aren't really the changes I would make to iPadOS but I do see why I don't feel limited by iPadOS in the same way a lot of other people do.

 

[XIO[-]OIX]

MacOS instead of iPadOS, sure. In addition to it as an option (with keyboard connected and/or on external display), that's a different story....

So if you are going to connect a keyboard and an external display - why don't you just buy a desktop?

It comes with macOS too

whats the point of wanting ipad to be your ‘desktop like‘ desktop computer?

 

[Reggaenald]

Probably because of RAM. Once you allow to run 4-5 apps or more at the same time, in addition to the OS, 4GB RAM might not be enough, especially for some RAM hungry apps...

Funny. I didn’t intent to post that reply because I thought “yeah the M1 comes standard with 8GB of RAM, that’s a good line to draw (at least 8GB RAM models in general would be a good starting point for more advanced multitasking features)”.

 

[boss.king]

So if you are going to connect a keyboard and an external display - why don't you just buy a desktop?

It comes with macOS too

whats the point of wanting ipad to be your ‘desktop like‘ desktop computer?

It’s more like wanting it to be your only device. A laptop is able to be a mobile computer that’s expandable when needed via peripherals. There’s literally no reason an iPad couldn’t or shouldn’t be able to do the same thing.

 

[Reggaenald]

Oh, it makes sence now. So its the end of inovation - we have reached this civilisational platou - no more will creative smart people be able to combine before unseen artefacts to create something truly new and unseen before.

okay. good to know we are there now.
better correct my expectations from humanity!

The fq. No, we haven’t plateaued, and I didn’t say we did. I only said that there will be no significant new introductions of devices or features, and that I’m certain of. I’ll stand corrected once I am.
I didn’t say however that there won’t be significant improvements and additions that will one day make our current phones look like the iPhone 4 for example does to us now.
The iPhone was a splash, those don’t happen anymore. Everything is just an improvement of something else nowadays.

 

[XIO[-]OIX]

It’s more like wanting it to be your only device. A laptop is able to be a mobile computer that’s expandable when needed via peripherals. There’s literally no reason an iPad couldn’t or shouldn’t be able to do the same thing.

I have read your messages here and I mostly agree with your point of view.
So, lets talk about this now. First and foremost - I really agree - iPad should be as powerful as possible and I wholeheartedly welcome all improvements and new features iPad will get - as long as they don't ruin what makes iPad an iPad - ease of use / simplicity / flow / convinience / and tbh speed of use too (once you get used to gestures). So, I really do welcome all improvements to iPadOS and iPad system, as long as they are not ruining what iPad is. (so no way MacOS is welcome on an iPad)

As for making your iPad your desktop - but with iPadOS not MacOS. What’s stoping you? Why not?

One thing I keep saying is - its not the iPadOS that is the limiting factor, but the lack of more pro apps and more complex /powerful apps. Some are already there - and are really amazing. Others need to come - and use full potential iPad has to offer today.

But - that really doesn’t include MacOS. That would completely ruin Pad with unneeded complexity and less stability / robustness…

my5C

 

[jdb8167]

One thing I keep saying is - its not the iPadOS that is the limiting factor, but the lack of more pro apps and more complex /powerful apps.

No it really is the OS.

 

[XIO[-]OIX]

The fq. No, we haven’t plateaued, and I didn’t say we did. I only said that there will be no significant new introductions of devices or features, and that I’m certain of. I’ll stand corrected once I am.
I didn’t say however that there won’t be significant improvements and additions that will one day make our current phones look like the iPhone 4 for example does to us now.
The iPhone was a splash, those don’t happen anymore. Everything is just an improvement of something else nowadays.

iPhone was nothing new when it came up. It used existing technologies / and its innovation was from the new way of using / combining them. iPhone is not the first pocket computer, iPhone is not the first Smartphone, and it also wasn't the most powerful one either feature wise. It came out and fixed some of the big issues other devices had - but was not the first in any way.

As for innovation - for sure there will be more innovation.
But you can only see that in the hindsight.

 

[XIO[-]OIX]

No it really is the OS.

Really? Okay.
For me its not the OS at all. Its that I would like more Pro apps to come to iPad.
But for you its the OS you say.
Okay.


How?

 

[Reggaenald]

Why?

We were talking about innovation.
Were you sleeping when all the discussions about the SD took place? It’s an old panel in a new housing. Nothing innovative here.

 

[XIO[-]OIX]

We were talking about innovation.
Were you sleeping when all the discussions about the SD took place? It’s an old panel in a new housing. Nothing innovative here.

You really need to learn to talk to people.

 

[orionquest]

I have read your messages here and I mostly agree with your point of view.
So, lets talk about this now. First and foremost - I really agree - iPad should be as powerful as possible and I wholeheartedly welcome all improvements and new features iPad will get - as long as they don't ruin what makes iPad an iPad - ease of use / simplicity / flow / convinience / and tbh speed of use too (once you get used to gestures). So, I really do welcome all improvements to iPadOS and iPad system, as long as they are not ruining what iPad is. (so no way MacOS is welcome on an iPad)

As for making your iPad your desktop - but with iPadOS not MacOS. What’s stoping you? Why not?

One thing I keep saying is - its not the iPadOS that is the limiting factor, but the lack of more pro apps and more complex /powerful apps. Some are already there - and are really amazing. Others need to come - and use full potential iPad has to offer today.

But - that really doesn’t include MacOS. That would completely ruin Pad with unneeded complexity and less stability / robustness…

my5C

You are kinda contradicting yourself. You say you want to keep ipad's ease of use & simplicity, then want more pro apps which offer complex tasks. Can't really have both on a ipad, it's meant for simple tasks. More complexity means bringing in more controls, precision input, etc to a simple OS. Might as well use MacOS as it already offers those items and more.

 

[boss.king]

I have read your messages here and I mostly agree with your point of view.
So, lets talk about this now. First and foremost - I really agree - iPad should be as powerful as possible and I wholeheartedly welcome all improvements and new features iPad will get - as long as they don't ruin what makes iPad an iPad - ease of use / simplicity / flow / convinience / and tbh speed of use too (once you get used to gestures). So, I really do welcome all improvements to iPadOS and iPad system, as long as they are not ruining what iPad is. (so no way MacOS is welcome on an iPad)

As for making your iPad your desktop - but with iPadOS not MacOS. What’s stoping you? Why not?

One thing I keep saying is - its not the iPadOS that is the limiting factor, but the lack of more pro apps and more complex /powerful apps. Some are already there - and are really amazing. Others need to come - and use full potential iPad has to offer today.

But - that really doesn’t include MacOS. That would completely ruin Pad with unneeded complexity and less stability / robustness…

my5C

I see the lack of pro apps as a result of lack of capability from the OS. For example, something like making an app for the device you’re using? Not really possible. And not everything would even change the core functionality for more casual users. A lot of the things that people are asking for are the kind of things that you wouldn’t even come across unless you were actively seeking them out.

Capability doesn’t need to mean complexity.

 

[jdb8167]

Really? Okay.
For me its not the OS at all. Its that I would like more Pro apps to come to iPad.
But for you its the OS you say.
Okay.


How?

See my reply above.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/the-ipad-is-not-for-traditional-mac-users.2342700/post-31047838

 

[XIO[-]OIX]

I see the lack of pro apps as a result of lack of capability from the OS. For example, something like making an app for the device you’re using? Not really possible.

Thats not an OS issue its a software issue. You want XCode on iPad. That has nothing to do with iPadOS and all to do with XCode

And not everything would even change the core functionality for more casual users. A lot of the things that people are asking for are the kind of things that you wouldn’t even come across unless you were actively seeking them out.

I would be happy with XCode coming to iPadOS. But thats not iPadOS shortcoming, is it? It an app thats missing, and I would really welcome many pro apps coming to iPad.

Capability doesn’t need to mean complexity.

Agreed.
I am very much pro capability and against complexity/bulk

 

[nintendoswitch]

I hope it becomes more mac-like. I want A real Mac but don’t have money for it, but I have the entry-level iPad 9.

 

[Digitalguy]

So if you are going to connect a keyboard and an external display - why don't you just buy a desktop?

It comes with macOS too

whats the point of wanting ipad to be your ‘desktop like‘ desktop computer?

Others have already replied. I already bought a M1 Mac Mini. But this summer, when I go on holiday, I'll have to bring, in addition to my iPad pro with Magic keyboard, my mac mini, as the iPad is not enough. That could have been avoided.
I really don't understand why you insist so much when I have said more than clearly that MacOS would not replace iPadOS but be an additional option.... Nobody is taking the simplicity of iPadOS away from you....
Actually having MacOS as an option would remove any risk of additional complexity in iPadOS.
Unfortunaltely it's never going to happen, as it's not in Apple's best interest.

And pro apps are not coming to iPadOS because it's not in the interest of most Mac desktop developers (investing in making them touch friendly to then sell them at a 30% discount because of store fees...). The only apps coming are some subscription only apps, and often with dumbed down versions of them (e.g. Microsoft Office). Of course I am not talking about apps using the pencil or touch specifically like drawing apps etc. Even Apple is not setting the example with FCP and Logic

 

[XIO[-]OIX]

You are kinda contradicting yourself.

No I am not.

You say you want to keep ipad's ease of use & simplicity, then want more pro apps which offer complex tasks.

Sure. I want to keep ease of use and simplicity of the OS. but have powerful complex apps on it

Can't really have both on a ipad,

yes you can.

it's meant for simple tasks.

says who?

More complexity means bringing in more controls, precision input,

are you aware iPad has more input options than PC?

etc to a simple OS.

again iPad is the most sophisticated OS, nothing simple about it

Might as well use MacOS as it already offers those items and more.

Might as well use a Mac and leave iPad to iPad users… ?‍♂️ Maybe its not for you

_
iPad is not meant for simple tasks. This is where you are wrong. It just has a better way to alow you to do things.
iPad is not the ‘iPad’ form 2011. iPad is something else today.