Apple has recently launched the new iPad Pro, diverting attention from the Mac platform and highlighting the tablet’s features such as an expansive screen, thin construction, and portable keyboards. The marketing promise of “your next computer is not a computer” feels within reach with the iPad, offering a tantalizing prospect for users.
As Apple strives to keep the iPad and Mac platforms distinct, tech writer Mark Gurman suggests that the two device families should be allowed to excel at what they individually do best. He advocates for expanding the differences between the Mac and iPad, emphasizing the unique strengths of each. Despite efforts to bring the two systems closer, such as allowing iPadOS apps to run on MacOS and creating universal apps that work on both platforms, a unified platform still seems far off.
Reviews of the iPad Pro question its ability to replace a deskbound MacBook Pro. While the tablet offers power with the M4 chipset, it lacks software to fully utilize that power. Features like Stage Manager bring a Mac-like feel to the iPadOS, but critics believe there is still room for improvement. The idea of running macOS apps on an iPad as a dual-boot option is met with skepticism due to potential confusion.
The iPad Pro may offer power and an enhanced tablet experience, but as a system, it falls short of the MacBook Pro and the Mac platform as a whole. Additionally, Apple’s closed ecosystem with iPadOS presents limitations for developers and users. Any app or software must go through Apple’s approval process and distribution is restricted to the App Store, with Apple taking a thirty percent cut. In contrast, MacOS offers a more open environment where developers have more freedom to create and distribute without restrictions.
The closed nature of iPadOS presents challenges for unlocking the full potential of the M4 chipset in the iPad Pro. Although the tablet boasts powerful hardware, it is held back by software limitations. User reviews highlight the benefits of MacOS over iPadOS, with the Mac platform offering greater flexibility for third-party applications and more robust features for productivity.
Ultimately, the key advantage of Mac over iPad is the open nature of the system. MacOS allows for more freedom in terms of coding, distribution, and application access compared to the closed ecosystem of iPadOS. While the iPad Pro may offer impressive hardware and features, it still struggles to match the capabilities of a Mac laptop. As discussions continue about the interface, touchscreens, and other features, the difference in openness between the two platforms remains a significant factor to consider.
