Apple CEO Tim Cook has ruled out the possibility of Apple merging iOS and OS X to create a single category of device. Speaking to the Irish Independent, Cook said that such a device would be too compromised.
“We feel strongly that customers are not really looking for a converged Mac and iPad,” said Cook. “Because what that would wind up doing, or what we’re worried would happen, is that neither experience would be as good as the customer wants. So we want to make the best tablet in the world and the best Mac in the world. And putting those two together would not achieve either. You’d begin to compromise in different ways.”
He said that some were reading too much into the way Apple has brought the two platforms closer together …
It’s true that the difference between the X86 and the A-series is much less than it’s ever been. That said, what we’ve tried to do is to recognise that people use both iOS and Mac devices. So we’ve taken certain features and made them more seamless across the devices. So with things like Handoff we just made it really simple to work on one of our products and pick it up and work on the next product.
While there have been repeated rumors of converged devices, with some suggesting that the iPad Pro might run OS X as well as iOS, Tim Cook has previously said that such a device is unlikely to be appealing.
You can converge a toaster and refrigerator, but these things are probably not going to be pleasing to the user.
Cook also clarified his earlier comments, in which he asked why anyone would buy a PC any more, telling the Independent that he was using the term to refer only to Windows PCs, not to Macs.
“We don’t regard Macs and PCs to be the same,” he said.
Cook said that he was optimistic about Apple’s ability to reverse the decline in iPad sales, noting that now travels only with an iPad Pro and iPhone.
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I guess switching to Surface Book is the way to go than. Windows 10 is not that bad also. Cant believe I am saying this after using Mac for 15 years :(
Don’t do it – I thought the same having given the iPad Pro a go…taking the Surface Book back tomorrow.
I don’t need an oversized iPad that has the same flaws like iPad. I can’t do real work on a device which has mobile operating system. Not even copy paste works properly not to talk about missing finder, limited capability of apps and so on… I would buy iPad Pro if it would switch to OS X once I dock it on keyboard. I do think operating system need to stay separated but also merged at the same time.
eklsiarh
Ever hear of a Macbook? Seriously some people just need to use their brain
You are obviously one of them! This entire discussion is about how we would like to have one hybrid device instead of two separate devices. What part of that you don’t get?
eklisiarh
The entire discussion ISN’T about how we would like to have one hybrid device instead of two separate devices. Tim Cook flat out said that isn’t going to happen. You are the one who’s off topic.
I’m not saying the iPad Pro is the answer either….that’s going back too.
eklisarh
Go buy a Surface Book. For some people like you only experience can teach you a lesson.
It would be great if you can have a device that can automatically switch between OS X and iOS… but not quite possible at least within 2~3 years. SB is better to be regarded as a purely PC laptop, since windows does not actually have any commendable tablet app experience… I am gonna go iPad Pro + MacBook Pro, while only carrying iPad Pro to the university for casual tasks, but the MacBook Pro for work, and occasionally bring the MacBook Pro if needed. I would love to see if in the future I could go with iPad Pro + iMac combination or not~ I love pencil so much, and the combination of iPad Pro + pencil may help me get rid of paper entirely.
Windows 10 is windows, which to me IMO is that bad. Microsoft has destroyed all credibility of a desktop work OS. They will have to prove their worth to me before I do that again, and considering the new surface book pro is crashing and has massive hardware issues, they’re not doing it.
The only feature I really want from an iPad pro is that awesome drawing feature. But I’m not an art student or pro, so no. If I were, I’d just get a macbook pro and an iPad pro. Problem solved.
Wow, there are some narrow minded folks here. You though sir, are willing to try someting new. Bravo! As someone who has my business outfitted with no less than 7 Macs and uses a MBP 13′ 2014 as my daily workhorse, I too was intrigued by the possibility of having a hybrid device. I bought a Surface 3 (not the Pro) and found it to be an amazingly capable device. The onscreen gestures and pen make it a great tablet, and the detachable keyboard makes it a very good laptop. I can even plug in peripherals thanks to the various ports, imagine that! In short, having a hybrid does not suck. Given my experience thus far, I would love to try the Surface Book.
Now before anyone goes off on me for DARING to speak of an MS product, recognize that I am basically a platform whore. I like my Android phones, my Mac laptop, and now my Surface 3 tablet hybrid. I won’t lie, I do occassionally cheat with a Galaxy Note Pro tablet too, but as long as the S3 doesn’t find out, I think I’m okay.
See, the point is, that it’s okay to try different things. Really!
@Ben: Why don’t you make a poll to see if people here want Apple hybrid device?
He won’t do a poll because he knows all the Microsoft trolls who frequent this place will vote YES
Are you serious!
Yes I’m serious. Look at this thread alone. Half the posters are obvious Microsoft trolls.
Yeah, probably that’s why he was the first person to like my post about making a poll Mr. Smarty Pants? I myself own Mac Mini Server, Macbook Air 11, iPad Air 2, iPhone 5s and my wife owns Macbook Pro and iPhone 5c so be careful who you call “Microsoft troll” mister! Actually the only troll in this entire discussion is you! Just look how you responded to almost every post in this thread! Most people here are not “fanboys” like you and we actually want to get quality and functionality for what we pay and so far we did but the things are obviously changing and if Apple is not able to lead that change less and less people will buy their products, which is already the case with the iPad. You have to be blind to ignore the fact that Microsoft opened a completely new battlefield with their Surface Book and if I wasn’t so dependent on Apples software so much I would change right now. I will give Apple a year or two with the hope they realise how wrong they are just like they did with the pencil!
hey eklisiarh, what’s wrong with pencil? pencil is excellent!
Well then our only hope is that iOS becomes a little more business-ready, so that we can do a bit more work-related stuff from our iPads.
Two things I’m sorely missing are proper file management (i.e. we get the option to organise our files _freely_, rather than leaving it to the various apps) and sending multiple files (of multiple types) in a single email (which again boils down to file management). Oh, and I’d also love being able to download stuff from Safari and manage where they’re stored.
Google Drive for iOS works beautifully in these respects. How the Gmail app cooperates with Google Drive takes things even further and Apple has some serious catching up to do in there.
“We’re worried that what would happen is we would only sell 1 device, not 2”
Exactly! This is the main reason why they dont want to do it! Just like not enabling phone calls on iPads.
You can make calls from your iPad now… It is called Continuity you should try using it, it is quite useful.
AT&T Numbersync works great. Can have your iPhone turned off or separate wifi and make and answer call on iPad or Mac.
Yes but only if you have an iPhone! Which again confirms what I said: Apple limited this on iPads just so you have to buy iPhone!
Only smart people wouldn’t want only an iPad to make phone calls. God help you (no I don’t believe in God).
Currently 3 devices. MacBook, MacBook Air and iPad Pro
The MacBook should been a convergence device or at least the first with OS X that runs on ARM.
The price for the power you get is not good for the MacBook I would rather forgo the retina screen and get a more capable MacBook Air or go to I pad Pro with better screen and better power then the MacBook.
Apple played it very safe with the MacBook and iPad Pro. It didn’t give the MacBook powerful ARM chips or the iPad Pro a updated more tailored version of iOS The pencil could been used to give us the 3D Touch/ForceTouch gestures we see on iPhone 6s.
The gestures we see with 3D Touch makes more sense on an iPad Pro then an iPhone. I don’t see why the pencil can not be used to bring up those gestures. I do understand it might be difficult to make the 12.9″ screen 3D Touch,but making the pencil since where it is on screen and bringing up the UI we see in iPhone 6 s doesn’t seem to hard.
In my view T Cook is wrong. I’m looking for hybrid device and if Apple will not or can’t provide one, he just push me into buying a Surface Book.
Go for it, and if you listen to those that have the Surface Book and the reviews of it you will be back to using your Mac and iPad in around a week.
Both the Surface a book and Surface has pretty good reviews.
Apple could do a similar device and make it better
Paulo
Go buy a Surface Book then. Some people just have to learn the hard way.
Why dont you go buy one and learn they are good devices….you speak that line over and over, yet you have no basis for input either…..of course youll reply claiming youve bought 5 before and each was a flop but you know damn well you are just speaking out of turn like everyone else.
chrisl84
My point is these people who are constantly bitching about how horrible Apple product is should just switch over and buy Surface. I’ve been using Windows for DECADES. I know EXACTLY what the surface is all about.
I’m just sick of the same 12 guys who go on every single thread and start bitching about Apple product. The are not even Apple users. They are here just to troll.
Windows Trolls are chasing every thread of iPad Pro complaining why it is not a hybrid device ! so I want to buy surface whatever! LOL
I’m a daily windows 10 user at work but I love my Mac, iPad at home MUCH MUCH more.
Partially agree. However, the bad experience of windows OS (especially no commendable experience for tablets) pushes me back to try to adjust my work style on iOS devices, so that I can use the combination of iPad Pro on the go + Mac at home/company.
I would rather have 2 computers (1 @home 1 @company) + 1 extremely portable usable device on the go… SB is far from acceptable in both experience comparing to Mac OS & iOS and portability comparing to iPad Pro
Apple will never merge OS X and iOS for sure, but maybe not for this reason.
The iOS family (iOS, tvOS, watchOS) has more value for Apple, because the company controls everything. (Hardware, software, service, development standard, software distribution, etc.)
It’s clearly not the case for OS X. It also explains why Microsoft wants to merge desktop and mobile platforms. Because Windows (Desktop Version) is their precious.
cedric108
excellent point.
No reason for Apple to dilute the iOS brand with OSX which is very similiar to Windows (for obvious reasons)
It is clear to me that iOS is the future and OSX is the past.
Its just a matter of time till the software makers realize this and start concentrating their efforts on iOS Apps instead of OSX/PC Programs.
Great thought. Windows does not even ever have had commendable tablets apps & experience. SB is actually a laptop PC with a touch screen rather than a combination of tablet & laptop
I don’t get people who moan on about wanting an iPad with a keyboard, mouse/trackpad, OS X, etc. What you actually want is a MacBook, don’t confuse the two devices.
Yes you don’t get the working people. We get it!
one thing: the ability to (hand-)draw diagrams and sketches on OSX. Currently doable only on iOS devices.
I used to carry a paper notepad along with my MacBook. Now that iOS has kinda evolved, I’m bringing my iPad more often in meetings, as I can do more stuff there. But it’s not “there” yet as a business carry-around. I thought about getting a Macbook 12, but I do need the drawing part very frequently so as to justify the purchase.
So, we wait
I think OS X on the iPad would be a step in the wrong direction and iOS on desktops would be pretty terrible too. That being said, to me at least, notebooks are mobile devices so Notebooks should run a mobile OS. OS X should at this point not be called a desktop OS but a Pro OS and iOS should get some serious upgrades and just be their consumer OS.
Tim Cook is completely wrong at least as far as this customer is concerned. I have switched to Surface and am very pleased.
Mike Mcdonald
If you switched to Surface why do you bother posting here? Are you some type of Windows evangilist who needs to preach about your savior (Surface) to unbelievers (Apple users) to get a thrill?
He isn’t allowed to like Mac’s and the Surface?
What’s wrong with wanting a tablet that can run full Windows or full OS X programs?
Cook seemingly said, “So we want to make the best tablet in the world and the best Mac in the world.” Why, then, do we see that, since 2011, the iMac has been of lower quality? OK, they have upgraded a few parts and made the shell look thinner on the edge, but at the expense of soldered in RAM, soldered in GPU and CPU, glue, proprietary screws, virtually useless connectivity (99% closed shop Thunderbolt which is useless for the majority of consumers, OK you may find a use for it if you are a power user professional and need extra storage but that is about it,) etc. We cannot use our expensive iMacs as monitors for games consoles or anything except – yes you guessed it – another Mac. It is like the confectionary sales, in this example chocolate. Recently they have reduced the amount of cocoa butter used and substituted inferior, cheaper products (Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate), so the end product is not even the so-called vegolate that Cadburys were accused of selling some years ago. Same story with Apple, cheapening the product whilst incrementing the price.
vkd108
Go switch to PC then. I don’t understand people who constantly bitch about something but take NO ACTION.
Macbook is the best selling laptop
iMac is the best selling desktop
Apple margins are the same or lower than 5 years ago. Saying they are giving less than before is not factual.
Fanboi
No, I will not “go switch to PC then”.
If you do not understand a complaint, either move on to something you can cope with or forget it. Action taken is to complain, on public websites so yes, action is taken.
The rest of your text proves simply that you are nothing more than a blind fanboi so effectually have nothing constructive to offer. However, I do thank you for your input.
vkd108
Action taken is not bitching like a little 12 year old girl.
Action taken is voting using your dollars.
But from your response it looks like you are not truly convienced about your bitching. If you did you would stop buying Apple product since the are ‘ripping you off’.
How is bring facts to the table show I’m a fanboy? Fact is the Macbook/iMac are super successful. Fact is Apple’s profit margins have been stable the last 5 years. Proving that they are not ripping off people compared to 5 years ago.
I just can’t respect someone who says one thing and does another. Its like someone who complains about a job for DECADES but never leaves. Or someone who complains about their boy friend beating them up yet never leaves.
Its time for you to either stop being a little cry baby or leave.
I do agree, iOS and OS X devices have a completely separate paradigm (touch and click respectively) and merging them is destroying the best of both paradigms. I’m not interested in a heavy and hot iPad running OS X or a iOS-based MacBook. Touch is very convenient for many things (such as on the go or on the couch) while the mouse is fantastic on desks.
This is not to say that convergence can’t be done in some other way. Apple could upgrade OS X to behave like iOS (or vice versa) whenever appropriate. This is basically Microsoft’s route. The big problem, however, is the implementation. You have to release a device that is as powerful as an ordinary Mac but also as mobile as an iPad. You also have to perform deep changes in the software architecture and ecosystem. For example, Apple must create a new high-level application framework that succeeds UIKit and AppKit so that developers can create universal apps. An app must be able to transition smoothly from a “touch” paradigm to a “click” one (and back) while minimising the cost of the user’s mental context switch.
For this, I believe the convergence is not coming soon (these few years from now). Microsoft’s attempt has back-fired badly. Two evolutions must occur before Apple finally gives in:
1. There must be a processor that is as energy-efficient as ARM’s and powerful as medium-end Intel processors. For it to be a good iPad successor, it must have no fan, no large and heavy battery, and similar battery life for normal use.
2. There must be an operating system (and/or system frameworks) that smoothly mixes OS X and iOS paradigms without watering down their individual power. Apps must be universal and behave nearly the same in both paradigms. Don’t give me that horrible Metro/window-based iron curtain from Windows 8.
I’m sure Apple’s working hard on #2, step-by-step. Most apps are built to be flexible with screen real-estate. iOS and OS X share a lot of features (e.g., the full-screen paradigm in El Capitan & iOS 9; Launchpad & Home Screen; …). iOS and OS X resemble. Handoff completes the gaps. These evolutions give Apple engineers the time to adapt and improve and give us the time to adapt, all the while we enjoy them now. They just have to create a consistent and logical mapping between a “click” environment and a “touch” environment so that transitioning feels right.
#1 will eventually happen. We’re very close already.
For now, I’m happy with buying the right tool for the right job. They’re exquisite at their job. I’ll wait until Apple cracks the convergence problem with the well-thought-out and well-implemented “magical” design.
Can I have my skylake 15″ rMacBook Pro now?
As soon as the chips are readily available.
I was going to buy a Macbook and then I saw the Surface Book. I don’t regret it, Windows using a touchscreen is awesome.
wolphen
So thats your game? To go to competitors websites to preach your savior (Surface Book) to the unbelievers (Apple Fans).
if you like your Surface book so much why do you waste your time posting your musings on this site? Why don’t you preach your gosphel at Microsoft sties? Why waste your time here when you have ZERO interest in Macbook/iPad?
Simply sharing my short story with experience on why I think the Surface Book is better.
I don’t stick to one company. I have my SB, a Nexus and an iPad. All of what I think is the best on their category. If Apple makes a better product than the Surface Book, I will dedinately consider it.
wolphen, given that you have SB + Nexus + iPad, I have to say that you actually don’t know enough about iPad. iPad only reveal its real power when together with iPhone & Mac. That’s one major difference between Apple and Android/Windows
Though I’d agree with Tim Cook, one thing is for sure also, is that Apple will want to continue making so that we buy both a Mac _and_ an iPad.
AT the price of the Surface Book you could buy a Macbook and iPad Air2 for less than a Surface book. And they would weigh about the same too.
Go buy a SurfaceBook then. Why are you talking about Microsoft products on 9to5mac site?
Yup, I know, but it’s running neither iOS or MacOS X. And for that matter, you can run Windows on a MacBook, but not MacOS X on the Surface Book.
You don’t have to buy both Mac and iPad. I own only a Mac and I’m fire. By iPad not supporting desktop apps is forces devs to Adobe to innovate for touch going forward. Just look at desktop PS on the Surface. It’s meant for cursor input. Simple as that. It needs to be rewritten for tablets and Adobe should get on that. With 25 million surface said to be sold in the next 2 months that’s millions of potential customers for a touch-first version of PS.
*25 million iPad Pros, I meant. I have surface on the brain with all the surface astroturfers around here.
He didn’t say that Apole would not release a Mac with Arm processor or Coke up with a different OS.
The MacBook should had an a series chip in it. It is overpriced and underprowered. The iPad Pro has better screen and is more powerful.
If they don’t want to a have convergence OS or hybrid device they need to make iOS more then just a blown up version of the iPhone for iPads. iOS has been neglected way to long on iPads. Apple doesn’t make the most of the screen real estate or higher power chips in the iPads.
All we have is spl screen apps. Tilt a iPhone olia you get a dock on the right side and get more editing features in the keyboard, more rows of apps. Control center doesn’t get more features with the extra space on iPads.
Time for phoneOS and padOS since Apple has not been focusing specifically on features and improvements for iPads.
Apple doesn’t give us all the tools to make the most of the power and retina screens of iPads. It sales us an underpowered over priced MacBook. Why couldn’t it use ARM chips or use the same processors as the MacBook Air.
I would definitely buy a mac that can detach the screen that turns into an iPad running iOS.
NY3Ranger
And that detachable screen only have 2 hours of battery life like the SurfaceBook?
For people that say you can’t put OS X on a iPad because you need a mouse why can’t the home bottom or a bezel be made to be a mouse or have an area that serves as trackpad or make a keyboard that has a trackpad.
Apple also has patents to use traditional keyboards as trackpads.
just buy a Macbook if you want full mouse/keyboard support.
I have been using Macs for the past 12 years, but my last MacBook Retina (early 2015) is getting to my nerves. It freezes constantly and it’s just not the quality I would expect for a $1300 device.
About all the discussion on Surface Book, I went to a Microsoft Store and that machine looks indeed like the future. Apple don’t want to sell 1 hybrid device because it’s just thinking about its crazy profits.
I might soon switch back to Windows as well. I have switched from iOS to Android three years ago and it was the best decision ever.
And don’t get me wrong guys, I was an Apple fan. But since Jobs, the company is not the same.
Adriana Bushylaro
Wow. You covered all the Apple concerned troll checkmarks:
1. Have a current Apple product and not satisfied with it.
2. Was a huge Apple fan in the past.
3. Apple not the same after Jobs died
4. Bring up a weak competitor and say their product is superior.
Go job Adriana!
I kind of wish someone would make a kick-ass refrigerator/toaster combo, just so Tim would have to stop using this analogy.
uniquified
You wish. No one will ever bring out a refridge/toaster combo. And that’s EXACTLY why Tim Cook’s analogy is spot on.
I understand the analogy, and I’m not saying it isn’t accurate. I’m just tired of hearing it. I’d rather he get specific about what things won’t/can’t work best with a Mac/iPad laptop/tablet hybrid – both today with current technology and down the road as chips get cooler and battery life gets better.
uniqufied
Whats there not to understand?
OSX is not opimized for touch.
iOS is not optimized for type/mouse.
Its impossible to write an OS that optimizes both. Look at Microsoft. 4 years in and Windows8-Windows10 is still a disaster.
I’m in favour of Apple’s approach on this.
Tablet vs laptop are two different devices with different uses and different interfaces – I don’t need or want the same software on them.
I spent half an hour at an Apple store testing the iPad Pro. My verdict – I do not need this device. It’s too large for anything I may need to have an iPad. One true application I would consider the iPad Pro for is to use it as a secondary monitor with my MacBook Pro with the Duet app. The iPad Pro would make an amazing portable secondary monitor (especially when traveling). The problem is that the current Apple’s Smart Keyboard cover for iPad Pro only allows the iPad Pro to be propped up at one angle, and that angle is not something I want my secondary monitor to be at. I would want my secondary monitor to be at a much lesser angle of tilt, which is not possible with the iPad Pro’s Smart Keyboard cover.
One other application I can see as useful with the iPad Pro is a drawing app like Procreate because the excellent Apple’s Pencil drawing and painting capabilities. This is something I would buy the iPad Pro for if, and I repeat, if there was more to this form factor than just a giant and unwieldy iPad.
Now, when Tim Cook says that no one really wants a converged (iOS and OS X) device, I beg to differ. I need such a device. I am a network engineer, and I have plenty of powerful computers in my ownership that do a lot of heavy lifting. What I need is a light portable device with a great screen which I can do my work on. I do not have to run virtual machines on such a device – I can remote into my existing environment that is capable of running dozens of virtual machines. However, I cannot use iOS for my work – I have tried and found the artificial limitations that Apple has placed on iOS too restrictive for the tasks I need my computing device to perform. In other words, I prefer OS X to iOS for work, but I do not have to have the power of MacBook Pro with the bulk that comes with the power. For people like me – those who are in network engineering, the iPad Pro would be a perfect device that we could use in our daily work if: (1) it could run both OS X (for work) and iOS (for mobile computing) and (2) it would work with a trackpad or mouse.
Tim Cook is making a big mistake by continuing to insist that a converged iOS and OS X device would not be a successful product. From my vantage point, the iPad Pro is targeted at a very limited market niche – the one that is satisfied with a giant iPad that still has all the limitations of the iOS.
telecastle
Tim Cook is making a huge mistake? LOL.
Wow those Surface tablets are selling so well. So well that the Apple Watch is racking up more revenue that it. Even though the Surface has been out for 3 years and the Watch only 3 quarters.
Face it. You are hoping for a computer that does not and will not ever exist (one that runs OSX and iOS).
I bet that this so called ‘niche’ device will strongly outsell the ENTIRE SURFACE LINE in the next 12 months.
He won’t do it until he does it – stylus, anyone?
Jamison
Are you really that dense?
Jobs said having a stylus AS THE PRIMARY INPUT DEVICE FOR A MOBILE DEVICE WOULD BE SILLY.
Jobs never said having a stylus was dumb. Hell Apple has been approving and selling stylus for iPhone/iPad for YEARS in the Apple store.
– gets mad sour about Apple’s direction and does not want to migrate to the cloud or change outlook on productivity
– refuses to just buy a Surfacebook and be done with it
Surface book isn’t the answer.
You only get 2 hours in Tablet mode which is pathetic. Surface book is an absolute failure as a tablet – horrible tablet OS, 2 hour battery life, way too heavy.
But.. but muh file system or something.
The OS my likely be one someday but the experience will be different for iOS devices vs Mac. iOS and Mac OS from a development point of view get closer and closer every year, it’s hard not seeing them converge at some point.
This doesn’t mean they will identify them as one however, rather I expect it will probably be something like tvOS and WatchOS where they are variants of iOS with different API sets.
Bollocks Timmy. I’d buy an iPad pro in a heartbeat if it ran OS X
I would be very happy to see a hybrid device if it provides great experience on both sides. However, SB can meet neither of them… If Apple can accomplish this task, I would love to have one, but I am not gonna compromise my experience too much.
I tend to agree. I don’t think OS X is needed on an iPad. But to have an iPad replace your laptop, we still need lots of improvements in iOS on productivity. More shortcuts, mouse support, a file system (cloud people actually can use Dropbox already for this) are just a few examples. I keep struggling with the fact I need to lift my arm to touch the iPad when working with a physical keyboard. I hope it’s only a matter of time for Apple to acknowledge this.
I guess we need something like ‘iOS Pro’.
God I hate the fanboydom on this websites comments. Like I love iOS. I also love WIndows. Get over yourself!
Surface Book Pro, as a concept, is what I was hoping Apple was doing. It does make sense and keeps with the Apple creed. Give me a tablet with iOS I can use to a joined laptop running OS X. The real trick here isn’t do this, they could. The trick is keeping the data and files in sync so either can use them seamlessly which requires a solid local/cloud system.
That being said, my hopes of Microsoft making something cool were destroyed with Surface Book when it came out with disastrous problems and the stupid thing is made from Magnesium.