Craig Federighi talks about the arguments against operating macOS on iPad in a recent interview.

Craig Federighi talks about the arguments against operating macOS on iPad in a recent interview.

Craig Federighi talks about the arguments against operating macOS on iPad in a recent interview.


### iPadOS 26: A Significant Upgrade for Power Users

iPadOS 26 is recognized as a crucial upgrade that caters to the requirements of iPad power users. In a recent conversation with Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software, valuable insights were shared regarding the motivation behind the creation of iPadOS 26, the choice to keep macOS separate from iPad, and the overarching vision for the future of the iPad.

#### Key Insights from the Interview

Federico Viticci, a well-known proponent for optimizing the iPad’s capabilities, interviewed Federighi during WWDC. The conversation focused on the new functionalities of iPadOS 26 and the philosophy that drives Apple’s strategy with its devices.

A primary theme was the ongoing discussion among users about the feasibility of operating macOS on the iPad. Federighi clarified that Apple’s objective is to preserve the individual identities of its devices. He likened this scenario to a “spork,” explaining that merging two exceptional tools typically results in a less effective product. He stressed that while uniformity across platforms is valuable, each device should provide a customized experience tailored to its specific function.

#### The Essence of the iPad

Federighi conveyed that the iPad should not operate macOS, yet it can take cues from Mac features. He believes that both systems can leverage each other’s strengths without sacrificing their distinct personalities. This ideology is vital as Apple continues to enhance the iPad’s functionalities while staying true to its fundamental essence.

#### Development of iPadOS 26

The rollout of advanced windowing and multitasking capabilities in iPadOS 26 has been a much-anticipated improvement. Federighi attributed the postponement of these features to various factors, including:

– **Performance Limitations**: Initial constraints of the iPad hardware made it difficult to incorporate powerful multitasking features.
– **User Input**: Over the years, Apple has taken the feedback from power users seriously, which has shaped the development of features that meet their expectations.
– **Maintaining the iPad’s Identity**: There was a careful approach to integrating Mac-like functionalities that might overshadow the iPad’s distinctive traits.

#### Conclusion

As we gaze into the future of the iPad, Federighi’s insights offer a clear perspective on Apple’s vision. The company seeks to enhance the iPad experience while safeguarding its unique identity, ensuring it remains a potent tool for users. For a more in-depth exploration of Federighi’s views on the iPad’s essence and the future of iPadOS, the complete interview is accessible on MacStories.

### Best iPad Accessories

For those aiming to elevate their iPad experience, investigating the best available accessories can lead to a substantial enhancement.