Will Apple Dare to Launch a Larger iPad Pro as a Primary Computer?
Written on
Chapter 1: The Evolution of the iPad
The iPad has become synonymous with tablets in today’s market. While Android smartphones are increasingly challenging iPhones in the crowded smartphone arena, Apple largely dominates the tablet sector. Since its debut in 2010, the iPad has only increased in popularity, prompting Apple to diversify its lineup to include the iPad Mini, iPad Air, and the flagship iPad Pro.
With the next iPad Pro release on the horizon, excitement may be less intense than for the 2018 model, but there are still features to be eager about. The tech community anticipates that the upcoming iPad Pro will be equipped with an A14X chipset, comparable to the M1, providing significant power for a tablet. Historically, the iPad Pro has always been powerful; however, it has often been hindered by software limitations across generations. Fortunately, over the past two years, Apple has made substantial improvements to address these software issues.
In addition to software enhancements, Apple has introduced notable hardware advancements, such as the Magic Keyboard. Moreover, several accessories designed specifically for iPads have emerged in the market, aiming to bridge the gap between tablets and laptops.
With these developments, the distinction between laptops and tablets has become increasingly blurred. Apple itself is attempting to redefine the meaning of “computer” in its iPad Pro marketing initiatives. However, despite Apple’s efforts to enhance software capabilities, hardware limitations remain a significant obstacle. Currently, the largest iPad Pro does not fully meet the needs of users who multitask extensively.
Historically, consumers often purchased both a Mac and an iPad since one device alone could not fulfill all their requirements. Today, many rely on the 12.9-inch version as their main computer, yet it still falls short for power users. A poll conducted by 9to5Mac revealed that approximately 47% of respondents favored a larger iPad, while just over half supported the 12.9-inch size as the maximum. This illustrates a clear demand for a larger iPad Pro, though it may not be the prevailing opinion.
The Benefits of a Larger Display
What are the advantages of a larger screen? Primarily, a bigger display allows for more content to be shown or enhances resolution. This principle applies to Apple’s larger iPhone models, the 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and the 27-inch iMac and iMac Pro. A more expansive screen provides ample space for side-by-side applications or distinct windows similar to those in macOS (ideally). It offers artists a broader canvas, enhances content consumption, and overall creates a more flexible environment for productivity and creativity.
Some might argue that those seeking a larger display should opt for a MacBook. However, macOS does not offer the same simplicity, flexibility, and features provided by iPadOS, Apple Pencil, and the Magic Keyboard. Therefore, a larger iPad Pro emerges as the optimal device for users seeking these conveniences along with portability. However, a tablet exceeding 15 inches might sacrifice portability, making a size around 15 inches (perhaps 14.9) the ideal next step for the iPad Pro. In my view, the body design of the first and second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro could easily accommodate a 14.9-inch screen, especially with the significantly reduced bezels of current models. Users have become accustomed to the previous 12.9-inch models, and reintroducing a familiar form factor with a larger display would likely be well received over time.
Regardless of how unrealistic it may seem now, Apple is likely to pursue a larger iPad in the near future if it genuinely believes that the iPad represents the future of computing. However, simply increasing the screen size will not suffice. A larger iPad Pro must also feature additional ports, improved support for external monitors, and a larger battery. Furthermore, Apple will need to enhance the desktop experience on the expanded display with actual application windows and better mouse and trackpad compatibility.
But why not make macOS touch-friendly instead of pursuing all these changes? The challenge lies in the fundamental direction of both systems. iPadOS was designed for touch interactions from the start, whereas macOS was created for traditional desktop use. Thus, it is more effective to enhance a touch-based operating system with desktop capabilities than to convert a desktop OS to touch functionality, which could be counterproductive. Recall the issues faced with Windows 8?
While the larger iPad Pro has remained at 12.9 inches since its launch, two other iPad lines have seen their screen sizes increase in recent years. The standard iPad grew from 9.7 inches to 10.2 inches, and the iPad Air increased from 10.5 inches to 11 inches last year. It is evident that the iPad Pro is in urgent need of a larger chassis. Portability has always been a primary concern for the iPad, which likely explains why Apple has maintained the 12.9-inch display as the upper limit for the iPad lineup until now.
The implications of going larger also include a price increase. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at a significant price of $999, and a more powerful, larger tablet would inevitably come with a higher price tag. To enhance its appeal, Apple could consider adopting some strategies from Samsung’s playbook, such as bundling additional accessories with the tablet purchase or offering discounts on the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard when bought together with the new iPad Pro. While this approach may seem atypical for Apple, it would certainly be a welcome change.
iPads have always offered greater flexibility than laptops, and users would likely prefer an iPad over a MacBook if both could perform similar tasks with comparable efficiency. Apple is more than capable of delivering such a device, but the decision ultimately lies with them. However, such a move would likely impact MacBook sales, leading Apple to think carefully before making this decision in the near future. Will they have the courage to take that step?
Apple's October 2024 event featured discussions on new M4 Macs and iPads. The community eagerly awaits benchmarks and performance insights.
A review of how to utilize your iPad as a drawing tablet for both Windows and Mac, showcasing the capabilities of Astropad Studio.