If Apple altered a specific feature of their iPad, it might entice you to make a purchase.
In the realm of tablet-cum-computer devices, two titans have emerged: Apple's iPad Pro and Microsoft's Surface Pro 9. While both offer sleek designs, powerful hardware, and impressive displays, they differ significantly in their operating systems and capabilities.
The iPad Pro, marketed as a machine with powerful computational capabilities, runs only iPadOS. This touchscreen-optimized OS, derived from iOS, is focused on tablet-centric input, apps, and workflows. In contrast, the Surface Pro 9 runs full Windows 11, designed to support both a traditional desktop and tablet mode on the same hardware architecture (Intel/AMD x86 CPUs). This compatibility allows it to run tablet-like apps and desktop apps simultaneously.
Apple's design philosophy is rooted in maintaining distinct ecosystems for iPads and Macs, each optimized for its intended hardware. The iPad Pro, for instance, uses Apple Silicon chips, similar to Macs (e.g., M1, M2, M4), but its hardware and firmware are specialized for iPadOS. Apple does not provide macOS firmware support for iPads, preventing macOS boot or coexistence on iPad hardware.
Tom May, a freelance writer and editor specializing in art, photography, design, and travel, finds Apple's approach confusing and limiting. He believes Apple's legal department might convince their executives to allow macOS on iPads due to the ending App Store gravy train. May is optimistic about having a tablet that can run real software, not just a mobile OS, in the future. He even hopes for an iPad that can dual-boot into macOS within the next two years.
Meanwhile, Microsoft's Surface Pro 9 functions as both a tablet and a desktop computer. Its versatility, coupled with the ability to run a full desktop operating system, makes it an attractive choice for many users.
The iPad Pro is also making strides in productivity, with recent updates like iPadOS 26 on M4 iPad Pro enhancing multitasking capabilities, bridging the gap between tablets and desktops. However, it still falls short of running macOS alongside iPadOS, a feature that the Surface Pro 9 offers.
In summary, while both the iPad Pro and Surface Pro 9 offer impressive hardware and sleek designs, their operating systems and capabilities differ significantly. The iPad Pro runs only iPadOS, while the Surface Pro 9 runs a full desktop operating system, Windows 11, supporting both desktop and tablet modes.
Comparison Table
| Factor | Apple iPad Pro | Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | |-----------------------------|---------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Operating Systems | iPadOS only | Windows 11 (desktop + tablet modes) | | Chip Architecture | Apple Silicon (ARM-based, custom) | Intel/AMD x86 (standard PC chips) | | OS Boot & Firmware Support | iPadOS-only firmware | Windows firmware supports both modes| | UI Paradigm | Touch/tablet optimized | Desktop + tablet optimized | | Apple Strategy | Separate iPad and Mac ecosystems | Unified OS ecosystem on one device |
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Apple responds to the growing demand for a more versatile iPad that can run real software.
Additional Fact: The Digital Markets Act is forcing Apple to allow sideloading and third-party app stores.
Note: The writer compares Apple's approach to trying to convince someone that a tricycle is just as good as a motorcycle, and Apple takes a 30% cut from every app sold through the App Store. The writer has been curious about iPads for years and expects the iPad Pro to handle only iPadOS and not macOS.
References: [1] https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/8/22959046/apple-ipad-pro-m1-chip-review-ios-ipados-macos-comparison [2] https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/26/22744680/microsoft-surface-pro-9-review-2021-windows-11 [3] https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/22/22983535/epic-games-returns-ios-europe-app-store-legal-ruling [4] https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ipad-pro-vs-macbook-pro/
- Tom May, intrigued by the evolving digital landscape, expresses an optimistic expectation for the future, hoping for an iPad that can run real software and potentially dual-boot into macOS, bridging the gap between tablets and desktops.
- The versatile Microsoft Surface Pro 9 functions as both a tablet and a desktop computer, offering the advantage of running a full desktop operating system, Windows 11, and supporting both desktop and tablet modes.
- In contrast to the Surface Pro 9, Apple's iPad Pro, marketed as a machine with computational capabilities, runs only iPadOS. Its hardware and firmware are specialized for iPadOS, and it does not support macOS firmware.
- The iPad Pro's limitation to running only iPadOS has been a point of contention for some users like Tom May, who believe that Apple's approach is confusing and limiting, as it prevents the iPad from running real software.
- Despite the iPad Pro's recent updates enhancing multitasking capabilities, it still falls short of running macOS alongside iPadOS, a feature that the Surface Pro 9 offers, making it an attractive choice for many users who seek versatility in a single device.
