# Enhancing Your iPad Pro for a Mac-like Experience: Suggestions and Insights
For the last seven years, I have depended on an [iPad Pro](https://amzn.to/42Pbv2N) as my main computing device. Throughout this timeframe, I’ve observed incredible advancements in hardware, which now competes with the power of MacBooks featuring the M4 chip. Additionally, iPadOS has transformed from simply an extension of iOS into a comprehensive operating system with distinct applications. Still, many users, myself included, frequently feel that iPadOS can occasionally restrict the hardware’s full capabilities. Fortunately, I’ve found various methods to tailor my iPad experience to mirror macOS while still preserving the device’s natural flexibility.
## Customizing the Homescreen
The initial phase in enhancing my iPad experience was to revamp the homescreen. A disorganized homescreen can foster a sense of chaos, particularly since my iPad primarily functions as a work tool. Hence, I chose a minimalist style, retaining only essential apps for easy access while pushing the remainder to the App Library. With the arrival of iPadOS 18, I was excited to discover that apps and widgets can now be positioned anywhere on the app grid, enabling me to replicate the cherished Today View from iPadOS 13. Here’s how I tailored my homescreen:
– **Widget Arrangement**: I use the two leftmost grid columns for widgets that give quick access to information and controls. My selected widgets comprise Weather, Notion, Home, battery status, and Apple Card.
– **Icon Size Modification**: By enlarging the app icons in the ‘customize’ section, I eliminate the app names and create a more open, uncluttered look.
– **Work-focused Apps Only**: I restrict the apps on my homescreen to solely those I need for work, ensuring a concentrated workspace.
– **Dock Personalization**: I position my most-used apps in the dock and disable the “show recent” and “show app library” settings to optimize space.
A handy tip is to use Command+Space to activate Spotlight, enabling you to search for apps in the App Library without cluttering your homescreen with seldom-used applications.
## Stage Manager & Desktop Browsing
With my homescreen organized, the next emphasis shifts to multitasking. Stage Manager, which initially garnered mixed feedback upon its introduction, has vastly improved over the past two years. I now deem it essential, particularly when utilizing the Magic Keyboard. To make the most of the screen space, I implement the following changes:
– **Activate Stage Manager**: This feature permits effective multitasking by seamlessly managing multiple windows.
– **Control Center Shortcut**: I supplement the Stage Manager toggle to the Control Center for rapid access.
– **Turn Off Recent Apps and Dock**: Disabling these options expands the available window size, giving a more expansive working atmosphere.
## Browser Selection: Chrome vs. Safari
In terms of web browsing and using web applications, I often alternate between Chrome and Safari. Each browser boasts its advantages, and some sites perform better on one compared to the other. For instance, Google Sheets tends to operate more efficiently on Safari, while WordPress is more compatible with Chrome. It’s vital to test specific applications you use to ascertain which browser suits you best. Furthermore, ensure to enable the “request desktop site” feature in both browsers to improve your web experience.
## Concluding Thoughts
These are merely a few tactics I’ve applied to convert my iPad Pro into a Mac-like environment without compromising its distinctive features. There’s much more to discover, including advanced management of Stage Manager when connecting to external monitors, essential accessories for a streamlined setup, and multitasking strategies that further blur the lines between an iPad and a MacBook. For a detailed breakdown and to see my setup in action, be sure to watch the [full video](https://youtu.be/9x9HVW6pDqY) linked above.
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By applying these strategies, you can elevate your iPad Pro experience, transforming it into a potent productivity tool while still enjoying the adaptability that comes with using an iPad.
