Apple’s latest iPadOS update may have sparked excitement among some users, but it has left many questioning the company’s vision for the future of computing. The introduction of iPadOS 26 brings back elements reminiscent of traditional Macs, including overlapping windows and nested menus.
This move seems to undermine the original intent behind the iPad when it was launched in 2010 as a clutter-free, touch-based alternative to traditional computers. Instead of democratizing access to computers without requiring coding knowledge, the update transforms the iPadOS into a hybrid operating system that blurs the lines between iOS and macOS.
Critics argue that this compromise detracts from the user experience, echoing concerns raised by early Macintosh project leader Jef Raskin during the development of the original Macintosh computer in the 1970s. Raskin envisioned computers as “information appliances” designed for specific tasks, with intuitive interfaces that would make computing accessible to all.
The introduction of touchscreens on newer Apple devices did seem to bring this idea closer to reality, but iPadOS 26 seems to have abandoned this vision. Instead, the update appears to be a watering down of the original concept, making it less distinct from traditional Macs.
With the current state of computing, there is an opportunity for innovation and disruption. Perhaps Apple could have doubled down on AI and created a new user experience that would have redefined the future of computing. However, this seems to be a missed chance, with Apple instead opting for a compromise that feels like a step backward.
The latest update may not have been a major milestone, but it serves as a reminder that sometimes, taking risks and pushing boundaries is necessary for progress. With the Next Big Things in Tech Awards deadline approaching, it’s clear that Apple needs to rethink its approach to computing and reassert its commitment to innovation.
Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91349280/apple-just-turned-the-ipad-into-a-mac