Making the iPad Pro a Main Computer: Features That Could Change Everything
The iPad Pro is one of the most powerful tablets available today, offering cutting-edge hardware, a gorgeous display, and impressive battery life. However, despite its capabilities, it still falls short for many users who want to use it as their primary computer. While Apple has made strides with iPadOS, there are still key features missing that prevent it from fully replacing a MacBook or other traditional laptops. Below are some essential changes that could transform the iPad Pro into a true laptop alternative.
1. Support for Multiple Audio Streams
One of the limitations of iPadOS is the inability to manage multiple audio streams simultaneously. On a Mac, users can listen to music while participating in a video call, have separate outputs for different apps, and even configure complex audio setups for professional use. On the iPad, however, the system tends to prioritize a single audio source at a time.
Adding support for multiple audio streams would be particularly beneficial for creators, professionals, and multitaskers. Imagine being able to listen to a podcast while editing video with audio playback, or setting up separate outputs for monitoring and communication in a live-streaming setup. This enhancement would unlock new possibilities for users who rely on audio workflows.
2. Adjustable Resolution for External Displays
One of the most frustrating limitations when using an iPad Pro with an external monitor is the lack of resolution control. Unlike macOS, which allows users to fine-tune the display resolution when connected to external displays, iPadOS offers limited options.
For professionals who use high-resolution monitors, the inability to adjust scaling or resolution settings means that the experience can feel awkward or unoptimized. Allowing users to set custom resolutions would make the iPad a much more viable desktop replacement, ensuring that external displays work just as well as they do on a Mac.
3. Advanced File Management with macOS Finder Integration
The current Files app on iPadOS is serviceable for basic document management but lacks the depth and flexibility of macOS Finder. For users handling large volumes of files, needing quick access to multiple directories, or working with external drives, the Finder experience is far superior.
If Apple were to bring the full macOS Finder to the iPad Pro, users would gain access to advanced file operations, better organizational tools, and a seamless experience across macOS and iPadOS. Features like batch renaming, script automation, and improved external drive support would make the iPad Pro far more useful in professional environments.
4. Inclusion of macOS Preview App
macOS’s Preview app is an unsung hero that allows users to view and edit PDFs, images, and other documents effortlessly. The iPad lacks a direct equivalent, forcing users to rely on third-party apps for simple tasks like adding annotations, merging PDFs, or adjusting images.
Bringing Preview to iPadOS would provide users with a robust tool for document editing, eliminating the need for workarounds or expensive third-party alternatives. This would be especially helpful for students, professionals, and designers who frequently work with PDFs and images.
5. Universal Support for Apple Apps
Despite being one of Apple’s flagship devices, the iPad Pro still lacks support for several first-party apps that remain iPhone-exclusive. Apps like Apple’s Weather and Calculator only recently arrived on iPad, years after their introduction on iOS.
By ensuring that all Apple apps are fully supported on iPadOS, users would have a more complete software ecosystem. This would also allow developers to build and optimize apps for a unified experience across all Apple devices.
6. Removal of Window Limitations in Stage Manager
Stage Manager was introduced to make multitasking on iPadOS feel more like macOS, but it still has frustrating limitations—most notably, the cap on the number of open windows.
Lifting this restriction would allow users to fully utilize the iPad Pro’s powerful M-series chips, making it a legitimate laptop alternative for multitasking-heavy workflows. Power users should be able to open as many windows as they need, without artificial restrictions limiting their productivity.
7. Terminal Access for Advanced Users
For developers, system administrators, and tech professionals, terminal access is crucial. macOS offers a robust Terminal app that allows users to interact with the system via command-line tools, but iPadOS has no native equivalent.
Adding a Terminal app would open the door for developers to manage servers, write scripts, and automate tasks directly from their iPads. This would significantly boost the iPad Pro’s appeal to technical professionals who currently rely on MacBooks or desktops for command-line tasks.
8. Improved Mouse and Trackpad Support
While Apple has added mouse and trackpad support to iPadOS, it still feels limited compared to macOS. The pointer-based interface is designed more for accessibility than productivity, missing features like hover effects, custom gestures, and full right-click functionality.
Refining mouse and trackpad support would make the iPad Pro feel more like a true computer, especially for users working with spreadsheets, design software, or complex applications that benefit from precise input control.
9. Addition of TextEdit Application
TextEdit is a simple but powerful macOS app that allows for quick text entry, basic formatting, and even HTML editing. Strangely, it has never been brought to iPadOS.
Adding TextEdit would provide users with a lightweight option for note-taking, document editing, and code snippets—without the need to rely on third-party apps. It’s a small change, but one that could make a big difference for many users.
10. Desktop-Class Features in Native Apps
Apple’s own apps, such as Mail, still feel like mobile versions on iPadOS, lacking many advanced features found in their macOS counterparts. For example, Mail on macOS has powerful filtering, sorting, and automation options that are missing on iPad.
Bringing full desktop-class features to native apps would ensure a more professional experience and eliminate the need for users to switch to a Mac to perform more advanced tasks.
11. Inclusion of macOS Dictionary App
The macOS Dictionary app is a powerful tool that offers definitions, synonyms, and language translations. It’s an invaluable resource for writers, students, and researchers, yet it has never made its way to iPadOS.
Adding Dictionary would enhance the iPad’s productivity capabilities, giving users quick and easy access to a wealth of language resources.
12. Ability to Manually Set Default Applications
Unlike macOS, iPadOS does not allow users to manually set default applications for web browsing, email, or file types. This limitation forces users to rely on Apple’s built-in apps, even when they prefer alternatives like Chrome, Outlook, or PDF Expert.
Allowing users to change file and app defaults would give them greater control over their workflows, making the iPad Pro feel more like a true personal computer.
13. Presets or "Frequently Used" Apps Feature
A dedicated section for frequently used apps or task presets would streamline multitasking. Users could create custom app groups that open together, making it easier to switch between workspaces and workflows.
This feature would be particularly useful for professionals who use the same set of apps repeatedly, such as designers working with Photoshop, Affinity Designer, and Procreate simultaneously.
Final Thoughts
The iPad Pro has the potential to be a fully capable main computer, but it still needs key software improvements. Implementing these changes would make the device far more appealing to professionals, students, and creators looking to replace their laptops. Apple has already taken steps in the right direction—now it’s time to go all the way.**
The iPad Pro is one of the most powerful tablets available today, offering cutting-edge hardware, a gorgeous display, and impressive battery life. However, despite its capabilities, it still falls short for many users who want to use it as their primary computer. While Apple has made strides with iPadOS, there are still key features missing that prevent it from fully replacing a MacBook or other traditional laptops. Below are some essential changes that could transform the iPad Pro into a true laptop alternative.
References:
- I spent a week using the iPad Pro as a laptop — I ran back to Windows so fast
- I ditched my laptop for an iPad Pro for a few weeks - TechRadar
- Not an iPad Pro Review: Why iPadOS Still Doesn't Get the Basics ...
- Using an iPad Air/Pro as a backup or replacement for a laptop
- What Features does the iPad PRO need to make it actually PRO