I've stated this in several threads recently, but my hope is that Apple is, indeed, planning OSX for ARM *and* that they'll allow an iPad to switch between running either OSX or iPad OS. When used as a tablet, you would use iPad OS with it's larger, finger-friendly UI. When used with a keyboard and trackpad/mouse, you would use OSX and benefit from more screen real estate i.e., smaller icons and widgets, allowing you to fit more windows/stuff on the screen).
The rumor pipeline is full of software clues, potential hardware changes, not to mention Apple’s own guidance that are all pointing towards ARM on Macs and making all devices work more seamlessly. I am not aware of a single credible rumor that supports the kind of switching you propose.
It also feels entirely un-apple-like, and something that would have been proposed back when the iPad could reasonably be criticized as a ”blown-up iPhone”. I can’t fathom why they would be putting so much work into growing iPadOS - adding cursor support, etc. if they were going to take some hybrid route.
As a heavy iPad user, it seems to me that such switching would be entirely disorienting in actual use. I switch between using the magic keyboard and using the iPad as a separate device numerous times per day - often moving between positions where it takes me less than a second to make the transition. You’re suggesting that the software is supposed to somehow dynamically switch between two entirely different operating systems running entirely different versions of software, and it’s supposed to be seamless and instantaneous the way it is now? What happens to my program context as I switch? Does it switch between browser versions with different currently open tabs, forget my recently used programs order, take my in-process photo edits and project layouts and move them between iPadOS and MacOS versions in real-time, and so on?
What Apple is moving towards is feature parity on all devices. Universal apps built on a common codebase with the same functionality. The hardware type will dictate the operating system version, but the practical differences in software will melt away.
The 12” Macbook was always a device that was cross-shopped by people who might otherwise choose an iPad. As the expectation is that it’s not a high performance device, it makes perfect sense it would be where they introduce ARM on the Mac. Eventually the software lines will blur and users will choose their hardware based on their particular needs and preferences.
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Homeschooling during quarantine has made me a huge supporter for the “iPad Laptop” concept. Especially as a disruptive product to take back EDU from Chromebooks.
The popularity of Chromebooks is based purely on simplicity. There’s no accessorizing with peripherals or new groundbreaking concepts. Its just a tool to get a job done and that’s exactly what some people need (and something Apple doesnt offer).
MacBooks are too expensive. IPad + Accessories is too complicated. And Chromebooks are too narrowly focused. But an affordable, simple, adequately powered traditional laptop powered by ARM/iPadOS could really be an opportunity to take back EDU from Chromebooks.
Our kids use Chromebooks for school in an otherwise all Apple household. It’s pretty clear to see that Apple completely dropped the ball on the education market, and Apple may not have the will to compete in this space now that Google has it pretty well locked up.
The Acer Chromebooks they are using now are not high quality, but they are entirely capable devices, and they cost about $200 each. For which price you get a foldable device with a real keyboard, decent screen and camera placement optimized for video chatting and document scanning.
It’s hard to see Apple competing in this market at this kind of price point. And thus far, Apple has pretty well indicated that iPads are their low-cost basic computing devices, and, as you well note, an iPad simply isn’t suited to mass educational use.
