The iPad Pro at 10: a Decade of Unrealized Potential (theverge.com)
(Tuesday November 11, 2025 @11:42AM (msmash)
from the leaving-things-to-be-desired dept.)
- Reference: 0180047846
- News link: https://apple.slashdot.org/story/25/11/11/1618220/the-ipad-pro-at-10-a-decade-of-unrealized-potential
- Source link: https://www.theverge.com/tech/817939/ipad-pro-laptop-computer-2025
The iPad Pro [1]went on sale ten years ago , launching with a 12.9-inch screen that Apple believed would redefine computing through size alone. The company initially resisted making the device a laptop replacement and maintained strict limitations on multitasking, browser capabilities, and app installation. Over the past decade, Apple reversed course. The iPad Pro gained USB-C ports, external drive support, keyboard and trackpad accessories, and an improved Files app.
The current M5 model includes OLED screens in 13- and 11-inch sizes. iPadOS 26 added free-form multitasking, a menu bar and the Preview app. The webcam now sits in landscape orientation. Despite these advances, the device [2]remains constrained by App Store-only software installation , The Verge writes, limited system access, and the absence of desktop-class browsers. Apple spent years positioning the iPad as a third category between phones and computers. The hardware and accessories now support full computer functionality, but artificial software limitations remain in place.
[1] https://apple.slashdot.org/story/15/09/09/1911236/apple-product-event-highlights
[2] https://www.theverge.com/tech/817939/ipad-pro-laptop-computer-2025
The current M5 model includes OLED screens in 13- and 11-inch sizes. iPadOS 26 added free-form multitasking, a menu bar and the Preview app. The webcam now sits in landscape orientation. Despite these advances, the device [2]remains constrained by App Store-only software installation , The Verge writes, limited system access, and the absence of desktop-class browsers. Apple spent years positioning the iPad as a third category between phones and computers. The hardware and accessories now support full computer functionality, but artificial software limitations remain in place.
[1] https://apple.slashdot.org/story/15/09/09/1911236/apple-product-event-highlights
[2] https://www.theverge.com/tech/817939/ipad-pro-laptop-computer-2025
Apple way or the highway (Score:2)
by aRTeeNLCH ( 6256058 )
Unrealised potential how? It does what Apple wants it to do. This is the Apple way. Look elsewhere if you don't want to be impacted by this mentality.
Fun fact, the first iPhones actually had an FM radio built in (as part of the WiFi Bluetooth gsm combo if memory serves), but this wasn't considered a desirable feature, so although practically all parts were present (yes, solutions without external antenna existed already, no headset required) the functionality wasn't made available to users.
Maybe a IPad iPillowCase will help (Score:2)
Innovation should not be limited to the iPhone and its sock bag.