iPad Pro The new iPad Pro looks amazing, but what will it still *not* do for you?

[AlexanderUK]

I've mentioned it before but I'd like to mention it again - Apple needs to sort out the Web browsing situation. Everyone is stuck on Webkit no matter what browser they choose, and it's a really significant problem as Apple is in court right now proclaiming that if you don't want to go through the app store, you can just make a web app instead.

As a web developer I can say that Safari suffers the most bugs and has the least features (in terms of web standards adoption) of any browser which leaves it crippled in terms of making web apps (and also why some sites don't work well on iOS). And I'm not the only one - a bombshell thesis was written by a browser engineer who used to work at Apple on Safari before leaving for Google to work on Chrome and the article showcases in great depth how bad Safari really is (in feature parity). It's a very good read and no, for a Chrome engineer it's not that biased.

Progress Delayed Is Progress Denied - Infrequently Noted

Apple's iOS browser (Safari) and engine (WebKit) are uniquely under-powered. Consistent delays in the delivery of important features ensure the web can never be a credible alternative to its proprietary tools and App Store. This is a bold assertion, and proving it requires examining the record...

infrequently.org

In any case, until iOS is crowbar'd away from Webkit so we can use proper Firefox or Chromium or anything else, web developers like me cannot use iOS as a device to both design and develop upon (despite there being great design tools - and a couple of nice looking early stage IDEs).

 

[jeremiah256]

I've mentioned it before but I'd like to mention it again - Apple needs to sort out the Web browsing situation. Everyone is stuck on Webkit no matter what browser they choose, and it's a really significant problem as Apple is in court right now proclaiming that if you don't want to go through the app store, you can just make a web app instead.

As a web developer I can say that Safari suffers the most bugs and has the least features (in terms of web standards adoption) of any browser which leaves it crippled in terms of making web apps (and also why some sites don't work well on iOS). And I'm not the only one - a bombshell thesis was written by a browser engineer who used to work at Apple on Safari before leaving for Google to work on Chrome and the article showcases in great depth how bad Safari really is (in feature parity). It's a very good read and no, for a Chrome engineer it's not that biased.

Progress Delayed Is Progress Denied - Infrequently Noted

Apple's iOS browser (Safari) and engine (WebKit) are uniquely under-powered. Consistent delays in the delivery of important features ensure the web can never be a credible alternative to its proprietary tools and App Store. This is a bold assertion, and proving it requires examining the record...

infrequently.org

In any case, until iOS is crowbar'd away from Webkit so we can use proper Firefox or Chromium or anything else, web developers like me cannot use iOS as a device to both design and develop upon (despite there being great design tools - and a couple of nice looking early stage IDEs).

Preach. Waiting on WWDC to order and will need full monitor, full browser support, and full use of the Thunderbolt port. The additional RAM and amazing chips are (for me) wasted without those three items.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I've mentioned it before but I'd like to mention it again - Apple needs to sort out the Web browsing situation. Everyone is stuck on Webkit no matter what browser they choose, and it's a really significant problem as Apple is in court right now proclaiming that if you don't want to go through the app store, you can just make a web app instead.

As a web developer I can say that Safari suffers the most bugs and has the least features (in terms of web standards adoption) of any browser which leaves it crippled in terms of making web apps (and also why some sites don't work well on iOS). And I'm not the only one - a bombshell thesis was written by a browser engineer who used to work at Apple on Safari before leaving for Google to work on Chrome and the article showcases in great depth how bad Safari really is (in feature parity). It's a very good read and no, for a Chrome engineer it's not that biased.

Progress Delayed Is Progress Denied - Infrequently Noted

Apple's iOS browser (Safari) and engine (WebKit) are uniquely under-powered. Consistent delays in the delivery of important features ensure the web can never be a credible alternative to its proprietary tools and App Store. This is a bold assertion, and proving it requires examining the record...

infrequently.org

In any case, until iOS is crowbar'd away from Webkit so we can use proper Firefox or Chromium or anything else, web developers like me cannot use iOS as a device to both design and develop upon (despite there being great design tools - and a couple of nice looking early stage IDEs).

Chromium on iOS? Boy, that would be a huge memory hog.

I think Apple wants to maintain an optimized user experience across all apps. Thus, the WebKit limitation.

 

[SalisburySam]

It's going to be interesting to see what iPadOS 15 does for these new ipads...

 

[pdoherty]

Chromium on iOS? Boy, that would be a huge memory hog.

I think Apple wants to maintain an optimized user experience across all apps. Thus, the WebKit limitation.

The new Pros have 8GB and 16GB of RAM, same as the desktop-OS Macs all do. They can handle it.

 

[calstanford]

It's honestly silly reading this thread.

It can be distilled into this:
- I WANT A MAC

Period. Literally every single requested thing is already on a Mac. A MBA weighs less than a 12.9" iPad with 'Magic' Keyboard, has a better trackpad, better built, battery lasts at least the same, is cheaper, runs all the software you've been missing. Only thing is: No detacheable screen/touchscreen.

So might be time to ask Apple for THAT rather than trying to backport every single thing you're missing from MacOS into what's really just a phone OS ('iPadOS')

 

[Martius]

For me the biggest thing is availability of true desktop replacement apps. As a developer I want to see a better file management system, access to a terminal and some ways to actually code without using a website or mocking it through tunneling (which defeats the purpose IMO). I do realize I'm probably in the minority though!

As a webdeveloper I can't agree more. There are of course tools to somehow get some of the dev work done on iPad, but it's just for the situations you have no other options.

 

[ericwn]

Chromium on iOS? Boy, that would be a huge memory hog.

I think Apple wants to maintain an optimized user experience across all apps. Thus, the WebKit limitation.

Imagine if all notes apps had to rely on the Apple notes framework. Time for a change for sure.

 

[ericwn]

It's honestly silly reading this thread.

It can be distilled into this:
- I WANT A MAC

Period. Literally every single requested thing is already on a Mac. A MBA weighs less than a 12.9" iPad with 'Magic' Keyboard, has a better trackpad, better built, battery lasts at least the same, is cheaper, runs all the software you've been missing. Only thing is: No detacheable screen/touchscreen.

So might be time to ask Apple for THAT rather than trying to backport every single thing you're missing from MacOS into what's really just a phone OS ('iPadOS')

So Apple should then just call it a day and recall all iPads because it’s just a big phone that isn’t allowed to gain new functionality and maybe only make the entry level iPad. Got you.

Apple likely sells way more iPads than Macs and they probably have a good idea what people are generally interested in. Folks are not going out to buy another computer just because the one they currently use lacks a few features here and there. Product evolution will have to cover that ground.

 

[pdoherty]

It's honestly silly reading this thread.

It can be distilled into this:
- I WANT A MAC

Period. Literally every single requested thing is already on a Mac. A MBA weighs less than a 12.9" iPad with 'Magic' Keyboard, has a better trackpad, better built, battery lasts at least the same, is cheaper, runs all the software you've been missing. Only thing is: No detacheable screen/touchscreen.

So might be time to ask Apple for THAT rather than trying to backport every single thing you're missing from MacOS into what's really just a phone OS ('iPadOS')

Why can’t it be “I like the tablet form factor but want apps that do more than typical/existing tablet apps can do”? Because that’s exactly my position. I see no reason the same CPU/RAM/storage can’t be used to run more-capable apps on a tablet. Especially if they can encapsulate the apps to make them runnable from the normal iPad interface. There are benefits to the way an iPad works both from usability and from a security perspective. Simply allowing association of file types with apps of your choice, and allow the Flies app to open/save files from any app and we should be good to go to run any Mac app we want (even if a keyboard/mouse are a requirement for some apps to even launch).

 

[AutomaticApple]

Imagine if all notes apps had to rely on the Apple notes framework. Time for a change for sure.

Notes framework is not the same thing as WebKit framework

 

[ericwn]

Notes framework is not the same thing as WebKit framework

It’s just another example for an arbitrary limitation that needs to be history on a pro labelled device. The effect is the same, just in a different app.

 

[Quackington]

This one is easy:

Some websites still don't work well one iOS. Office apps are watered down versions of the desktop apps. Too much app siloing which makes saving and moving files unnecessarily cumbersome. Can't sync all of my iCloud files on my iPad on the device like I can on MacOS. Multitasking doesn't work well in many apps (like Zoom mentioned above). Can't format an SD card. Can't password protect an SD card or any file natively like on MacOS.

The hardware is truly amazing. But who cares if you have to battle the software every time you use it. I would love more than anything to go just iPad only because of how great the hardware is. But, Apple just won't let go all the way with the software. And because of that I have no interest in buying another iPad. Every single iPad I've purchased has been either returned or sold and I'm not buying another one until the software fully meets my needs.

Apple, if you're listening, your grand plan to get people to buy both a Mac and an iPad is not going to work long term.

I’m pretty much in the same boat. I bought the 11” iPP last year with the MKB but I think it’s just not for me (but appreciate it is for others). I prefer to use it on my lap and iPP with MKB just feels uncomfortable on my lap, as if it’s gonna fall or I have to sit awkwardly. I also miss the freedom of Mac OS.

I’ll either sell it or give it to a family member.

 

[Thomas Apple]

So Apple should then just call it a day and recall all iPads because it’s just a big phone that isn’t allowed to gain new functionality and maybe only make the entry level iPad. Got you.

Apple likely sells way more iPads than Macs and they probably have a good idea what people are generally interested in. Folks are not going out to buy another computer just because the one they currently use lacks a few features here and there. Product evolution will have to cover that ground.

The iPad is outselling the Mac because apparently, people DO want a “big phone”

 

[LFC2020]

Biggest let down minor improvement in screen quality, no OLED, no buy for me. ?

 

[mazz0]

I’d like it to stop closing background apps just cos I’ve switched away to a couple of chat apps and a few tabs in Safari.

I know I only have 4GB of RAM (which isn’t great) but even so, write it to a page file or something. Even with 16GB of RAM sometimes I might max that out and still watch to switch app for a bit.

Inability to control what stays open is a seriously un-pro feature. It makes for a great experience on iPhone where everything’s fast without you having to worry about closing apps, but it’s not appropriate for a pro device.

 

[pdoherty]

I’d like it to stop closing background apps just cos I’ve switched away to a couple of chat apps and a few tabs in Safari.

I know I only have 4GB of RAM (which isn’t great) but even so, write it to a page file or something. Even with 16GB of RAM sometimes I might max that out and still watch to switch app for a bit.

Inability to control what stays open is a seriously un-pro feature. It makes for a great experience on iPhone where everything’s fast without you having to worry about closing apps, but it’s not appropriate for a pro device.

I agree with this - simply adding a Setting where one could indicate apps that are a priority for background multitasking (and maybe a 1-5 priority with 1 being highest priority) might help this. The OS would then enable them to stay running in the background and only do something to their status as a last resort. You could also indicate how long they’d be allowed to run in this priority mode once backgrounded.

 

[jeremiah256]

I’d like it to stop closing background apps just cos I’ve switched away to a couple of chat apps and a few tabs in Safari.

I know I only have 4GB of RAM (which isn’t great) but even so, write it to a page file or something. Even with 16GB of RAM sometimes I might max that out and still watch to switch app for a bit.

Inability to control what stays open is a seriously un-pro feature. It makes for a great experience on iPhone where everything’s fast without you having to worry about closing apps, but it’s not appropriate for a pro device.

I think we may see this going forward, but I'm thinking their cutoff will be the 2020 models. The 2020 SSDs will be newish/have less wear, plus last year the SSDs were increased to a minimum of 128GBs and the RAM increased to 6GBs.

 

[rui no onna]

I think we may see this going forward, but I'm thinking their cutoff will be the 2020 models. The 2020 SSDs will be newish/have less wear, plus last year the SSDs were increased to a minimum of 128GBs and the RAM increased to 6GBs.

Yep, hoping for swap as well and I agree, 2020 is a likely cutoff given 128GB base storage. Of course, they could limit it to 2021 but I'm hopeful that won't be the case.

 

[Moyapilot]

I've mentioned it before but I'd like to mention it again - Apple needs to sort out the Web browsing situation. Everyone is stuck on Webkit no matter what browser they choose, and it's a really significant problem as Apple is in court right now proclaiming that if you don't want to go through the app store, you can just make a web app instead.

As a web developer I can say that Safari suffers the most bugs and has the least features (in terms of web standards adoption) of any browser which leaves it crippled in terms of making web apps (and also why some sites don't work well on iOS). And I'm not the only one - a bombshell thesis was written by a browser engineer who used to work at Apple on Safari before leaving for Google to work on Chrome and the article showcases in great depth how bad Safari really is (in feature parity). It's a very good read and no, for a Chrome engineer it's not that biased.

Progress Delayed Is Progress Denied - Infrequently Noted

Apple's iOS browser (Safari) and engine (WebKit) are uniquely under-powered. Consistent delays in the delivery of important features ensure the web can never be a credible alternative to its proprietary tools and App Store. This is a bold assertion, and proving it requires examining the record...

infrequently.org

In any case, until iOS is crowbar'd away from Webkit so we can use proper Firefox or Chromium or anything else, web developers like me cannot use iOS as a device to both design and develop upon (despite there being great design tools - and a couple of nice looking early stage IDEs).

Thank you for explaining that in such simple terms. I finally understand why I get so frustrated with Safari on my Ipad pro 11, and yet on my half as powerful Pixel Slate, Chrome runs perfectly and never flinches and is a joy to use. I could never understand why Safari would glitch out and require page refreshes on so many sites, especially those with any video or interactive portions.

For standalone apps, Ipad is just fantastic and such a pleasure to use. We just need the browser to catch up now.

 

[mazz0]

I've mentioned it before but I'd like to mention it again - Apple needs to sort out the Web browsing situation. Everyone is stuck on Webkit no matter what browser they choose, and it's a really significant problem as Apple is in court right now proclaiming that if you don't want to go through the app store, you can just make a web app instead.

As a web developer I can say that Safari suffers the most bugs and has the least features (in terms of web standards adoption) of any browser which leaves it crippled in terms of making web apps (and also why some sites don't work well on iOS). And I'm not the only one - a bombshell thesis was written by a browser engineer who used to work at Apple on Safari before leaving for Google to work on Chrome and the article showcases in great depth how bad Safari really is (in feature parity). It's a very good read and no, for a Chrome engineer it's not that biased.

Progress Delayed Is Progress Denied - Infrequently Noted

Apple's iOS browser (Safari) and engine (WebKit) are uniquely under-powered. Consistent delays in the delivery of important features ensure the web can never be a credible alternative to its proprietary tools and App Store. This is a bold assertion, and proving it requires examining the record...

infrequently.org

In any case, until iOS is crowbar'd away from Webkit so we can use proper Firefox or Chromium or anything else, web developers like me cannot use iOS as a device to both design and develop upon (despite there being great design tools - and a couple of nice looking early stage IDEs).

I understand most of the article, but there’s one thing I don’t get: why’s he want web apps in the App Store? Isn’t not needing the App Store the point of webapps?

 

[mdjasrie]

I have been using the iPad for as a second reference screen (not extended or shared screen) and for Zoom meetings. Apart from that, the occasional Netflix or YouTube. It’s been working great for me.

I work in a lab, so not having to deal with paper and just bring the iPad to my lab to refer to protocols is such a breeze.

 

[617arg]

ArchiCAD, Twinmotion, SKetchUP.

Although I'm not expecting this to happen, I can run these things on an M1 Air and a Surface Pro 7+ so it is possible for the new iPad to do it. I have a very powerful desktop PC to run these applications but I'm one of those people who like to be able to have everything with me and I'd love the iPad to be able to do it.

How does Twinmotion run for you on the M1? I also use ArchiCAD and wanted to try out Twinmotion but it's unbearably slow on my apparently ancient machine (Late 2013 Macbook Pro with NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M 2 GB). Just getting Twinmotion to open without importing a model takes many minutes.......

 

[mrLucas]

Stupid endnote with full cite while you write integration.
Full featured Creative Suite, with plugins.
Final Cut Pro.

It’s mostly a software issue. I’ve seen my 2020 IPad Pro chug a little when I have alot going on, and I’ve seen it force reload apps and webpages. The M1 sounds great, but if the software can’t keep up, there’s not enough of a draw to update. Once the pro apps get going on iPad Pro, it will make a great new option. External display is a must, I’d love a headphone jack too, my 25 year old AKG 240M headphones sound perfect for audio editing and video work, I’d love to use them on the go on the iPad.

you can use a headphone to usb c addapter. works fine for my Focals (great actually)

 

[mrLucas]

ArchiCAD, Twinmotion, SKetchUP.

Although I'm not expecting this to happen, I can run these things on an M1 Air and a Surface Pro 7+ so it is possible for the new iPad to do it. I have a very powerful desktop PC to run these applications but I'm one of those people who like to be able to have everything with me and I'd love the iPad to be able to do it.

Meee toooo !!
id love that. But realistically I dont thing itll happen soon. Maybe the recompiling push to M1 is actually gonna make it easier for companies to allow their software to run on ipads tooo.. who knows.