Apple @ Work: macOS virtualization on iPad Pro would make it a powerful business computer
The discussion around macOS vs. iOS comes back every time Apple releases a new one. iPad Pro with hardware the software apparently can’t push. In my post on WWDC Reflections, an interesting idea came to my mind to make the iPad more useful: what if Apple allowed Parallels and VMware to offer virtualization on iPadOS?
About Apple @ Work: Bradley Chambers has managed a corporate IT network since 2009. With his experience in the deployment and management of firewalls, switches, mobile device management system, Wi-Fi network, company, hundreds of Macs and hundreds of iPads, Bradley will highlight the ways Apple’s IT managers deploy Apple devices, build networks to support them, train users, stories from the trenches of the IT management and ways in which Apple could improve its products for IT services.
Before you rush to judgment, listen to me. iPadOS needs to continue to evolve beyond its iOS sibling in feature sets. The hardware of the iPad Pro is almost more powerful than it should be. Virtualization takes power and would open iPadOS to many compelling use cases for corporate customers.
Let’s say you’re the type of person who likes to use an iPad for as many things as possible, but there are a handful of tasks that aren’t possible on iPadOS or are too heavy. If Apple allowed virtualization on iPadOS, you would be able to open Parallels or VMware, start macOS (or Windows), and use your Magic keyboard as if you had a full desktop computer. Additionally, if iPadOS eventually gets better support for external monitors, it would be possible to have macOS in one window while running iPadOS in another.
If you’re someone who travels frequently or works in the field, having the simplicity of a highly portable device when you’re away from your desk would be a fantastic benefit. You would no longer have to think about “will I need a Mac” on this trip. You can take the iPad and it can become whatever you need.
Why not a double start?
It is certainly possible that Apple will allow the iPad hardware for dual boot between macOS and iPadOS, but I think the story of virtualization is better for business customers. This would make the iPad Pro one of the most versatile “computers” on the market, as it could run all major operating systems. It would become the perfect travel computer. I haven’t owned a desktop for a very long time (early 2000s), but if I could use macOS while traveling on an iPad Pro, I would upgrade to one. iMac at once.
Wrap
I firmly believe that allowing virtualization on iPad Pro would unlock the device for many new use cases and help justify the cost of the device. Right now I’m having a hard time justifying iPad Pro more than ipad air unless you want the 12.9 inch screen. However, suppose the iPad Pro can become the all-in-one device that gives you the flexibility of a desktop operating system when the situation calls for it, but also take advantage of the light weight of iPadOS when your needs don’t. do not require it. If the iPad Pro could virtualize macOS when needed, I think that would only continue to gain popularity in the enterprise market.
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