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Apple Explains Why iPads Don't Just Run macOS

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iPadOS 26 allows iPads to function much more like Macs, with a new app windowing system, a swipe-down menu bar at the top of the screen, and more. However, Apple has stopped short of allowing iPads to run macOS, and it has now explained why.

iPadOS 26 App Windowing
In an interview this week with Swiss tech journalist Rafael Zeier, Apple's software engineering chief Craig Federighi said that iPadOS 26's new Mac-like features strike a good balance between productivity and simplicity. He added that macOS is not optimized for touch-screens, although rumors suggest that might change one day.

"We want to retain all the simplicity of the iPad, but still allow iPad users who want to go deeper and further to push it at their own pace to doing more," said Federighi, in a sit-down interview at Apple Park's podcast studio. "I think with macOS, you'd lose what makes iPad iPad, which is the ultimate touch device. But there are lots of things the two platforms can learn from one another, and that's where we've adapted our best ideas to each."

The quote above is only a portion of Federighi's answer, with the full interview available below.


For those who are still looking for a true iPad and Mac hybrid, Apple is reportedly working on everything from touch-screen Macs to a 19-inch foldable iPad, so the dream of using macOS on a touch-screen might be just a few years away.

Related Roundups: iPad Pro, WWDC 2026
Tag: Craig Federighi
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech Industry

Top Rated Comments

D
dubiousgif
11 months ago
They’d lose App Store revenue.
Score: 55 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B
breenmask
11 months ago
GOOD. The iPad should NEVER run a Mac. It's a ridiculously stupid idea. Touch first devices should run touch first operating systems.

Those who want a Mac on an iPad should just buy a freaking Mac. 🤦‍♂️
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
turbineseaplane
11 months ago
We know the rea$on$

This has all become so ridiculous, particularly as they now try to "build macOS all over again, starting with iPadOS" all while adding more and more "padding" to the entire macOS UI, despite it not having any touch capable devices that run it.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Zaft Avatar
Zaft
11 months ago
I guess it’s good for people who want a hybrid device. But I feel like if you need to have a device that’s for work and editing, then just get a MacBook.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
W
wonderings
11 months ago
I get the reasoning, but they are selling keyboards and mice for the iPad. You can also plug the iPad into an external screen so it is a computer with a touch screen. I get that MacOS is not optimized for touch, but who cares you can use it with a keyboard and mouse like normal. The reason is it would kill a large portion of their laptop sales. So many people could get by with a simple iPad, they are fast, long battery and will/would do what any average user would need it to do.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JPack Avatar
JPack
11 months ago
Apple sells it as a complete, customized solution for the best experience.

It's the same reason Apple TV doesn't run macOS. Fundamentally, it's the same box as a Mac with HDMI out.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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