For whom will Apple’s allegedly targeted OLED iPad Pro be designed?

Apple’s upcoming spring update for the iPad Pro is expected to include new OLED displays. However, many users may question the need for an upgrade. The 2021 and even the 2018 models still feel new and have been highly acclaimed by users. The rumored OLED display may only appeal to a specific subset of users who prioritize a high-quality screen.

But what if the iPad Pro embraced its identity as a laptop with a touchscreen? By focusing on its productivity capabilities, it could potentially steal some thunder from the MacBook Pro. While not everyone may care about OLED or high refresh rates, a larger screen could be more valuable to many users. The iPad Pro, with its ultra-portability and compatibility with the Magic Keyboard, already positions itself as a productivity device. However, it still has limitations such as running on iPadOS and having only one USB-C port. Despite the multitasking features added by Apple, iPadOS still feels limited compared to macOS.

It’s worth considering that the 12.9-inch 2022 iPad Pro model is priced at $1,099 for 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. With the same budget, one could purchase a M3 MacBook Air with 256GB of memory, a larger screen, a built-in keyboard and trackpad, and an operating system with decades of software ecosystem support and evolution behind it. The next iPad Pro might be even more expensive, making it crucial for users to truly value iPadOS over macOS to choose the former.

To address this dilemma, Apple could make the iPad Pro a true hybrid device. Federico Viticci, a prominent iPad power user, experimented with using macOS in a virtual display alongside iPadOS apps. He found this combination to be powerful and flexible, filling a void he felt with iPadOS alone. While the Vision Pro, a device Viticci used for this experiment, is not an immediate threat to the iPad Pro due to its price and limited availability, it does highlight the iPad’s vulnerability. If the Vision Pro or similar devices can effectively replace the iPad Pro’s role in casual personal content consumption, then the iPad Pro needs a fresh approach.

Apple has demonstrated its willingness to listen to user feedback in recent years. For example, they reintroduced HDMI and SD card ports to the MacBook Pro. The same energy could be applied to the iPad Pro by adding an additional USB-C port. Although this may seem like a small improvement, it would enhance the device’s productivity capabilities. Additionally, embracing the idea of a true hybrid, Apple could potentially allow the iPad Pro to dual-boot macOS and iPadOS. This would provide users with the best of both worlds, combining the convenience and touchscreen functionality of iPadOS with the versatile and robust software ecosystem of macOS.

In conclusion, the upcoming spring update for the iPad Pro may include new OLED displays. However, this upgrade may not be enough to entice users who already feel satisfied with their current models. To truly differentiate the iPad Pro and address its limitations, Apple could focus on its productivity capabilities and consider making it a true hybrid device. This could involve adding an extra USB-C port and allowing the iPad Pro to dual-boot macOS and iPadOS. These changes would not only make the device more appealing to users but also position it as a formidable competitor to the MacBook Pro.



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