Summary of The Real Reason Apple Will Never Put macOS on the iPad (Like Ever)

  • medium.com
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    Apple’s iPad Pro Strategy: A Deep Dive into Their 4D Chess

    The article dives into the reason behind Apple's reluctance to merge its macOS with the iPad Pro, revealing a multi-faceted strategy built on profits and a controlled ecosystem.

    • Apple's strategy is about maintaining a two-device ecosystem, ensuring users buy both an iPad and a MacBook.
    • The iPad Pro is marketed as a powerful tool for creative professionals, but in reality, most professionals prefer the larger screen and dedicated functionality of Mac desktops or laptops.
    • Apple's approach to iPad Pro can be seen as a clever strategy to capitalize on the perceived "pro" capabilities of the iPad, creating a desire for users to also purchase a MacBook for more robust workflows.

    The App Store: Apple's Money Printer

    Apple's control over its iOS App Store is a significant source of income, generating billions in revenue. Merging macOS with the iPad would mean potentially offering a less restrictive platform for developers and a possible loss of control for Apple over its revenue stream.

    • Apple's dedication to the App Store ecosystem and the financial advantages associated with it outweigh the benefits of integrating macOS with the iPad.
    • Apple's strategy of keeping its App Store a "money printer" ensures a constant flow of revenue and maintains their control over the apps and services offered on their platforms.

    macOS on iPad: A Touchy Subject

    While Apple's hardware specifications for the iPad Pro are impressive, the touch-based interface presents a challenge when attempting to run macOS. The inherent differences in user interface design between the two operating systems make a direct porting of macOS to the iPad challenging.

    • macOS is designed for mouse and keyboard interaction, and while the Apple Pencil can be used for some tasks, it's not a complete solution for navigating the entire operating system.
    • While Apple's Catalyst project enables developers to port iPad apps to Mac, the reverse process is more difficult, demonstrating a lack of clear commitment to merging the platforms.

    Developers: The Unsung Victims of Apple's Strategy

    The article sheds light on the practical difficulties faced by developers attempting to create seamless cross-platform experiences between the iPad and Mac. The complex nature of porting macOS apps to the iPad's touch-focused interface requires significant effort and re-engineering, creating a deterrent for developers.

    • Porting macOS apps to the iPad would require substantial UI modifications, making the process more complex and costly for developers.
    • Apple's lack of a clear roadmap for macOS integration with the iPad creates uncertainty for developers, making them less likely to invest in porting apps or creating new cross-platform experiences.

    The Ecosystem Lock-In: Apple's Strategy for Controlled Growth

    Apple's strategy aims to create a user experience that emphasizes the unique strengths of each platform while subtly encouraging users to purchase both an iPad and a MacBook. This strategy ensures users remain within the Apple ecosystem, allowing Apple to maintain control and extract maximum value from its user base.

    • Apple's executives have explicitly stated that the iPad and Mac are distinct products with separate functionalities, effectively reinforcing the strategy of keeping them separate.
    • Apple's strategy is essentially a strategy of "controlled growth," ensuring a consistent influx of revenue from various points within its ecosystem, creating a continuous cycle of purchase and dependence for users.

    The Future of "Computing" According to Apple: A Controlled Ecosystem

    The article suggests Apple's long-term goal is to align its entire ecosystem, including the Mac, iPad, and other devices, with the user experience of the iPhone. This strategy would benefit from the proven success of the iPhone and its App Store model, maximizing Apple's revenue streams and further consolidating its control over the tech industry.

    • Apple's strategy is to gradually push the boundaries of the "iPhone-like" experience, ensuring that all devices within its ecosystem converge towards a unified user interface and app model.
    • By moving all devices toward the "iPhone-like" model, Apple aims to replicate the phenomenal success of the iPhone's App Store and ensure a steady flow of revenue across all its platforms.

    What This Means for You: The User in Apple's Ecosystem

    The article leaves users with a thought-provoking question: Is Apple's strategy truly beneficial for the user? It suggests that while the iPad Pro may offer impressive hardware capabilities, the lack of macOS integration and the pressure to buy both an iPad and a MacBook may leave users feeling like they are always missing out on something.

    • Apple's strategy of a two-device ecosystem may create a sense of dissatisfaction and an incessant need for the "next best thing," creating a continuous cycle of desire and purchase.
    • Apple's prioritization of profit over user convenience may lead users to feel like they are being manipulated, leaving them with a feeling of being trapped within the Apple ecosystem.

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