Since the release of the iPad Mini, I have been thinking a lot about the differences between a 9.7 inch iPad and a 7.9 inch iPad. The obvious difference is that both tablets are two very different sizes and cater to two very different audiences. But there are some other differences, more subtle, that many people don't even think about. The iPad Mini is a better iOS device than the the full sized iPad and that is a major difference.
The full sized iPad has been evolving from a largely consumption based device to a creation and consumption device, much like the evolution of the personal computer went through during the rise of
the personal computer. People, more than ever, are using their iPad as a more portable and versatile computer over the traditional desktop and laptop. This is because the iPad is a very capable device that can be your one size, fits all option. This is why OS X should be on the full sized iPad. Not necessarily right now, but in the near future.
Several signs back up, what may seem to many as an asinine assumption, that Apple is not only considering this move, they will make this move. Apple has made a series of moves that have left me asking questions and searching for answers.
Apple's desire to iOS-ify OS X. Yes, Apple wants to add deeper integration to their platform, but there is a deeper drive. Apple is slowing modifying the desktop OS to blend with their mobile OS, iOS, as the line between tablet, phone, and computer are blurred. Look at the release dates of the OS alone, Apple is pushing for yearly releases. Something familiar to the mobile platform. Why are they doing this? Simple. They want to line up OS X with iOS and slowly merge the two together because the mobile OS, iOS, is the future. This is not something crazy I am drawing out of then air. Microsoft is already doing this with Windows 8. True, Microsoft isn't doing the greatest job ever, but they see the future and Apple see's it too.
The iPad Mini is completely different from the full sized iPad in every way. Even if Apple did update the Mini right now to retina and an A6X processor chip, that would not be enough to compensate for the size of the Mini to run anything other an iOS. However, I believe that the iPad has the strength on the inside to run a modified touch version of OS X. Not a halfway touch version like what Microsoft did with Windows 8, (and this is not to say Windows 8 isn't cool because I actually love the idea of Windows 8) but a polished version that makes sense.
This is the future of Apple. If you don't want to believe me, just look at iTunes. Apple completely re-skinned the app and if you mirror iTunes from your Mac to an iPad and use iTunes through a touch screen, iTunes 11 actually makes sense. While everything else does not work as well, iTunes is a great example of a modified OS X app that CAN run on a touch screen device. If Apple wants to make OS X touch friendly for the iPad, they absolutely can and I believe that is the right direction to take the iPad in.
Apple made a clear distinction between the full sized iPad and an iPad Mini. If Apple does move in the direction I believe they are headed, then there will be a shake up to the iPad line up with Apple changing the full sized iPad to the iPad Pro (meaning it runs a modified OS X rather than a modified iOS) and dropping the name mini from the iPad Mini making the iPad Mini the regular, standard iPad much like Apple had with the MacBook and MacBook Pro a few years back.
Will this be something that happens in the next year or two. I really can't see that happening because these changes have to be gradual. Apple will slowly modify iOS and OS X along with their product line until iOS and OS X line up on the software/hardware to run laterally.
The full sized iPad has been evolving from a largely consumption based device to a creation and consumption device, much like the evolution of the personal computer went through during the rise of
the personal computer. People, more than ever, are using their iPad as a more portable and versatile computer over the traditional desktop and laptop. This is because the iPad is a very capable device that can be your one size, fits all option. This is why OS X should be on the full sized iPad. Not necessarily right now, but in the near future.
Several signs back up, what may seem to many as an asinine assumption, that Apple is not only considering this move, they will make this move. Apple has made a series of moves that have left me asking questions and searching for answers.
Apple's desire to iOS-ify OS X. Yes, Apple wants to add deeper integration to their platform, but there is a deeper drive. Apple is slowing modifying the desktop OS to blend with their mobile OS, iOS, as the line between tablet, phone, and computer are blurred. Look at the release dates of the OS alone, Apple is pushing for yearly releases. Something familiar to the mobile platform. Why are they doing this? Simple. They want to line up OS X with iOS and slowly merge the two together because the mobile OS, iOS, is the future. This is not something crazy I am drawing out of then air. Microsoft is already doing this with Windows 8. True, Microsoft isn't doing the greatest job ever, but they see the future and Apple see's it too.
The iPad Mini is completely different from the full sized iPad in every way. Even if Apple did update the Mini right now to retina and an A6X processor chip, that would not be enough to compensate for the size of the Mini to run anything other an iOS. However, I believe that the iPad has the strength on the inside to run a modified touch version of OS X. Not a halfway touch version like what Microsoft did with Windows 8, (and this is not to say Windows 8 isn't cool because I actually love the idea of Windows 8) but a polished version that makes sense.
This is the future of Apple. If you don't want to believe me, just look at iTunes. Apple completely re-skinned the app and if you mirror iTunes from your Mac to an iPad and use iTunes through a touch screen, iTunes 11 actually makes sense. While everything else does not work as well, iTunes is a great example of a modified OS X app that CAN run on a touch screen device. If Apple wants to make OS X touch friendly for the iPad, they absolutely can and I believe that is the right direction to take the iPad in.
Apple made a clear distinction between the full sized iPad and an iPad Mini. If Apple does move in the direction I believe they are headed, then there will be a shake up to the iPad line up with Apple changing the full sized iPad to the iPad Pro (meaning it runs a modified OS X rather than a modified iOS) and dropping the name mini from the iPad Mini making the iPad Mini the regular, standard iPad much like Apple had with the MacBook and MacBook Pro a few years back.
Will this be something that happens in the next year or two. I really can't see that happening because these changes have to be gradual. Apple will slowly modify iOS and OS X along with their product line until iOS and OS X line up on the software/hardware to run laterally.
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