Section 1.1: Growing Discontent in the Community

The sentiment that Apple is neglecting iPad development is not new; similar frustrations were voiced among Mac users regarding hardware and software improvements. Historically, Mac upgrades have been sluggish, leading to a sense of abandonment, especially within the professional circles.

However, it may not be entirely accurate to equate the current state of the iPad with the historical neglect of the Mac. iPads have consistently received impressive hardware advancements and regular software updates. While major updates like iPadOS 13 and 14 introduced numerous features, iPadOS 15 has been more about fine-tuning and bug fixes.

Some critics argue that the pace of innovation has been too slow since the introduction of the Pro line in 2015. They believe that a Pro designation should come with rapid, substantial updates.

Making the Case

Prominent iPad developers like Steven Troughton-Smith have voiced concerns about the sporadic evolution of iPadOS, especially following the announcement of the M1 chip in the iPad Air, a chip already present in the 2021 iPad Pro models.

Federico Viticci, the founder of MacStories, has long championed the iPad as a primary computing device. During a recent episode of his podcast, he expressed disappointment over the lack of Pro features in iPadOS, which he initially hoped would accompany the M1 chip in the iPad Pro.

Federico’s assessment points to a growing consensus that Apple has not yet justified the M1 inclusion in last year's iPad Pro, leading many to expect significant enhancements in iPadOS. He articulated several features he hopes will appear in iPadOS 16, such as:

• A proper extended display mode
• Enhanced multitasking capabilities
• System-wide keyboard shortcuts
• Background utilities like audio management and clipboard tools

He also emphasized the importance of introducing innovative features that users didn't know they wanted, similar to Universal Control.

In conclusion, Federico mentioned that if Apple fails to deliver sufficient enhancements, he may transition to the MacBook Pro 14-inch for his work, as the iPad Air now offers comparable performance with the M1 chip.

Section 1.2: Influential Voices in the iPad Community

Another key figure in the iPad-only movement is Christopher Lawley. A respected YouTuber and advocate for the iPad Pro as a primary device, he recently indicated he might also shift to using the iPad Air. While he didn’t explicitly attribute his potential switch to a lack of Pro features, the absence of robust software support for professional video editing is a significant factor.

He has noted that better support for external displays is a pressing need for the iPad. However, if Apple were to release a version of Final Cut Pro for the iPad Pro, it might influence his decision to stick with the iPad Pro, potentially even forgoing the MacBook Pro.

Is the narrative of iPadOS falling behind truly accurate?

The ongoing debate over whether iPadOS is lacking in Pro features draws parallels with similar sentiments expressed about macOS. Users often desire specific capabilities, many of which are shared, while others are unique to individual workflows.

Technological advancement is crucial for users who push their devices to the limit. Although some power users express dissatisfaction with iPadOS’s progress, a more nuanced view is necessary.

Federico's proposed features predominantly reflect capabilities already present in macOS. However, he insists that their implementation should be tailored to the iPad experience.

Apple appears to be in a precarious position. Should they replicate macOS features exactly, they may face criticism for lack of innovation. Conversely, if they attempt to adapt these features for iPadOS, they may be deemed insufficient.

Ultimately, the M1 chip's introduction has raised expectations for the iPad, with many believing this signifies a shift in treatment between iPads and Macs.

My Perspective

I believe two key insights emerge from this discussion. First, Apple has traditionally viewed the "Pro" designation as a marker for enhanced performance and features. Products across their range often share core capabilities, regardless of the model's class.

For instance, while both the iPad Air and iPad Pro utilize the M1 chip, the Pro model offers additional features such as Thunderbolt connectivity, superior displays, and advanced camera systems.

Second, macOS has had a significant head start, being around for over 21 years, while iPadOS is still in its early developmental stages. The iPad's initial appeal stemmed from its distinct approach compared to macOS.

Thus, judging iPadOS's progress against macOS may not yield a fair assessment. Despite feelings of stagnation, iPadOS has remained true to its identity, and while iPadOS 15 focused on refinements, the potential for future innovations remains high.

In conclusion, the evolving focus on the Mac may have piqued the interest of longtime iPad advocates like Federico and Christopher, leading them to consider alternative workflows. While their shift doesn’t diminish their previous support for the iPad-only lifestyle, it reflects a natural progression in their professional needs.