Apple's Upcoming macOS Mode for iPad Pro: What to Expect
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The Rise of iPads in the Tablet Market
In the ongoing debate about smartphones, opinions may vary between iPhones and Android devices. However, when it comes to tablets, the consensus is clear: iPads reign supreme! Despite the advancements made by Android and ChromeOS, they have yet to rival the capabilities of iPadOS. With the introduction of the M1 chip, expectations for the iPad Pro have grown, especially considering its impressive hardware.
While the iPad Pro excels as a tablet, it falls short as a laptop substitute. Given the combined cost of the iPad Pro, Magic Keyboard, and Apple Pencil, which rivals that of a MacBook Pro, many users feel justified in demanding improved software from Apple, a company known for its innovation.
The Distinction Between Tablets and Laptops
It’s crucial to recognize that tablets and laptops serve different purposes. Attempting to merge these categories could lead to dissatisfaction among users.
Despite understandable reasons, Apple has postponed the rollout of a full macOS-like mode for the iPad Pro. In the meantime, features like Sidecar and Universal Control were introduced as alternatives. While Universal Control has its merits, it doesn’t fully address user requests. However, rumors suggest a shift may occur with the upcoming iPadOS 16.
When iOS 15 was unveiled last year, many anticipated substantial software changes to match the M1 iPad Pro's power. Unfortunately, these changes did not materialize, leaving some customers disappointed enough to return their devices. Recently, a new patent surfaced, highlighting a ‘hinged iPad keyboard accessory’ designed to offer various installation modes for enhanced user flexibility. Notably, one patent illustration hints at a user interface resembling macOS.
In examining the patent images on the Patently Apple site, it's evident that the design resembles that of Microsoft’s Surface devices. Most intriguing is the illustration showing an iPad with multiple open windows and a menu bar at the top. Although this depiction closely mirrors macOS, it seems unlikely that Apple would fully integrate macOS into the iPad. Instead, there are whispers of a feature called ‘Apple Mixer’ expected to debut with iPadOS 16.
Anticipating the Apple Mixer
The Apple Mixer appears to be a more feasible development. According to rumors, this mode will allow applications to open in windows when a keyboard and mouse are connected, reverting to standard iPad functionality once they are disconnected. This update is reminiscent of Samsung's Dex feature and could enable users to open multiple windows simultaneously, exceeding the current limit of three. However, it's worth noting that this feature may be exclusive to the M1 iPad Pro and iPad Air, given Apple’s previous reluctance to enhance monitor support for iPads.
The introduction of this new mode would facilitate a laptop-like experience on the iPad Pro, marking significant progress for M1 devices. Nevertheless, it’s wise to manage expectations until Apple reveals more details at WWDC next month.
While patents can either come to fruition or fade away, the likelihood of changes in iPadOS 16 appearing at WWDC seems high. Apple may have some surprises in store, as they often do. Encouragingly, it appears the company is making strides to position the iPad as a standalone device rather than merely a companion to its more powerful MacBooks. Given the recent decline in iPad sales, this shift may be a strategic response. Regardless, we are closer than ever to realizing the potential of the iPad Pro as a viable laptop alternative. "Your next computer is not a computer!"
Explore the implications of Apple's decision to introduce a macOS mode for iPad Pros, a long-awaited feature that could enhance user experience.
Uncover the details about the anticipated changes in iPadOS, focusing on the new GUI design that could transform how users interact with their iPads.